How Relationships Shape Learning

How important are relationships between teachers and students in secondary schools? Can stronger connections help improve learning, behaviour and students’ sense of belonging?
In this episode of Between Two Psychs, I explore the psychology behind teacher-student relationships and why I believe connection plays an important role in effective teaching and learning.
I look at the difference between belonging to a school and building a meaningful relationship with an individual teacher. Drawing on PISA findings and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, I consider how relationships, emotional safety, predictability and empathy can influence the way students experience education.
I also reflect on the limitations of relying solely on strict behaviour policies. When schools focus on punishment, isolation and exclusion without understanding the student’s needs, we risk overlooking the factors that influence behaviour and engagement.
In this episode, I explore:
• Why teacher-student relationships matter in secondary schools.
• The difference between belonging and bonding.
• What Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development tells us about teaching and learning.
• How emotional safety, empathy and predictability support students.
• Why punitive behaviour policies may affect relationships and engagement.
• How teaching approaches can differ between subjects.
• Practical ways I believe teachers can build stronger relationships with students.
• Why understanding individual needs is essential for adaptive teaching.
I also share practical examples, including greeting students by name, considering individual needs when planning lessons and taking the time to understand students who struggle with classroom expectations.
For me, effective teaching is about more than delivering knowledge or managing behaviour. It means understanding the students in front of us and creating the conditions in which they can learn, participate and feel that they belong.
🎧 Listen to Between Two Psychs for more conversations about educational psychology, teaching, SEND, inclusion, behaviour and wellbeing.
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Connect with Me (Dr Adam McCartney)
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