Clear structure and predictability

Learning involves both cognitive and emotional effort. For students to be able to focus on the content of the teaching, they need to understand what is expected of them and feel that the school situation is manageable. Research shows that clear structure and predictability are important factors in creating security, motivation and good conditions for learning.

Within motivation research, expectancy–value theory describes how students' engagement is affected by how they weigh perceived benefits against perceived costs associated with a task. Costs can be a matter of the effort required, fear of failure, uncertainty or frustration. If students experience a task as unclear or hard to get an overview of, these costs often increase, which can reduce motivation and the willingness to make an effort.

Clear structure and predictability can reduce these obstacles. When students know what is going to happen, why they are doing a task and what the expectations are, a sense of control is created. This means less energy needs to be spent on interpreting the situation and more energy can be directed towards learning itself.

Research also shows that predictability contributes to a greater sense of manageability. When teaching follows clear routines and students understand the workflow, it becomes easier to organise their work and take on challenges step by step. This can reduce stress and worry, especially for students who need extra support or who easily become uncertain in new situations.

A clear structure can be created, for example, by the teacher clarifying goals and expectations, presenting the outline of the lesson and returning to familiar routines. When students know what is expected of them, their chances of succeeding increase, which in turn strengthens their belief in their own ability.

Structure and predictability also matter for students' self-efficacy, that is, the belief in their own ability to manage a task. When students experience the teaching as comprehensible and manageable, they are more likely to dare to make an effort and keep going even when they encounter difficulties. Successful experiences gradually build up a stronger belief in one's own ability.

At the same time, structure needs to be combined with support and flexibility. The aim is not to create rigid teaching, but to give students a stable foundation that makes it possible to focus on learning. When students feel secure with the framework, they also become more inclined to participate actively and take on new challenges.

Taken together, the research shows that clear structure and predictability are important for both wellbeing and learning. By creating clear frameworks, reducing uncertainty and increasing the sense of control, teachers can help strengthen students' motivation, self-confidence and chances of succeeding at school.