How to Write Learning Intentions: A Step-by-Step Guide for Explicit Teaching
Learn how to write clear learning intentions with step-by-step guidance and examples. Improve lesson clarity, focus and student outcomes with teacher-friendly tips.
Learning intentions are one of the foundations of explicit teaching. They tell students exactly what they are learning, help teachers focus each lesson, and make assessment more purposeful.
When learning intentions are written clearly, students:
understand the purpose of the lesson
see how activities connect to the bigger goal
can monitor their own progress
In this post, we will look at:
what learning intentions are
how to write learning intentions step by step
examples across mathematics
how learning intentions and success criteria work together
simple ways to display intentions in your classroom
where to find free editable templates
What are Learning Intentions?
Learning intentions are statements that clearly articulate what students are expected to learn in a lesson or unit of work. They focus the teaching and learning by providing a shared goal for both teachers and students.
Effective learning intentions are:
written in clear, concise language
focused on a single skill or concept
visible to students throughout the lesson
How to Write Learning Intentions
When you write a learning intention, keep the following principles in mind.
1. Start with an action verb
Use action verbs such as identify, explain, compare or analyse to indicate what students will be doing.
2. Be clear and concise
Use simple language. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to students.
3. Use specific language
Be explicit about what students will be learning and what skills they will be developing. Vague phrases such as “know about” or “understand” are not helpful on their own.
4. Align with curriculum standards
Ensure that the learning intention aligns with your curriculum standards and assessment requirements.
5. Focus on one skill at a time
Try not to incorporate too many skills into one lesson. Isolate one or two skills per lesson, depending on the complexity.
Tip: The Australian Curriculum elaborations are a useful starting point when you write learning intentions for new content.
Examples of Learning Intentions
Here are some examples of learning intentions for mathematics lessons:
We are learning to identify and name geometric shapes.
We are learning to solve equations involving one variable.
We are learning to add fractions with related denominators.
Each statement begins with an action verb and focuses on a specific, measurable skill.
If you would like support with success criteria that match these intentions, read How to Write Success Criteria.
Learning Intentions and Success Criteria
Learning intentions are closely linked to success criteria. While the intention states what students are learning, success criteria describe what it looks like when they have achieved it.
Success criteria:
make the learning intention tangible
provide examples of what students should be able to do or demonstrate
give students a way to monitor their own progress and take ownership of their learning
For example, if the learning intention is:
We are learning to identify and name geometric shapes.
the success criteria might include:
Students can identify a square, rectangle, triangle and circle.
Students can draw each shape accurately.
By providing clear success criteria, students can self-assess their work and see how close they are to meeting the learning intention.
For a detailed guide to writing success criteria, see How to Write Success Criteria.
Sample Learning Intentions and Success Criteria in Mathematics
Adding and subtracting fractions
Learning Intention: We are learning to add and subtract fractions with related denominators.
Success Criteria:
Students can identify the denominator of a fraction.
Students can identify the numerator of a fraction.
Students can convert fractions to the same denominator and add or subtract the numerators.
Students can simplify their answer to the lowest terms.
Multiplying two-digit numbers
Learning Intention: We are learning to multiply two-digit numbers using an algorithm.
Success Criteria:
Students can identify the place value of each digit in a two-digit number.
Students can multiply two-digit numbers using the standard algorithm.
Students can check their answer using estimation or mental maths.
Students can explain their reasoning and the steps taken to solve the problem.
Learning Intentions on Display
Displaying learning intentions in the classroom is crucial for creating a focused and effective learning environment. When learning intentions are visible and referenced often:
students understand the purpose and goals of the lesson
activities and assessments feel more relevant
learners can track their progress and understand what is expected of them
Displaying learning intentions also helps teachers plan and deliver instruction that is clearly aligned with the desired outcomes.
👉 Click here to download a free explicit teaching lesson template that includes a space for your learning intentions and success criteria.
Display Templates
Here are some free templates to help you display learning intentions in your classroom:
You can explore more options on the Display Poster Templates page.
Help Students Achieve Success
Learning intentions are an essential component of effective explicit teaching. They provide a clear goal for both teachers and students and help to focus every part of the learning sequence.
Writing effective learning intentions involves:
starting with an action verb
being clear and concise
using specific, student-friendly language
aligning with curriculum standards
pairing each intention with success criteria
When learning intentions and success criteria are used together, students gain clarity, teachers can provide more targeted feedback, and lessons become more structured, focused and impactful.
Brolga Education
Created by Trudy Mayo — explicit teaching specialist and curriculum writer.
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