Silence in Schools

Citation

Lees HE (2012) Silence in Schools. Stoke-on-Trent: Trentham Books Ltd. http://trentham-books.co.uk/acatalog/Silence_in_Schools.html

Abstract
Cost-free and educationally significant, silence is undervalued as a pedagogical tool. This a groundbreaking exploration of the phenomenon of silence in schools shows how silence can be developed to change school cultures to develop and enhance democratic and reflective practices. The focus is primarily on the constructive ways in which certain schools use silence, although the customary negative and coercive aspects of silence in schools are briefly considered. Case studies describe how schools have introduced meditation, quiet spaces and silent moments and analyse how such initiatives are enhancing the students' experience and learning. "Silence in Schools" is important reading for head teachers, classroom teachers, policy makers, educational researchers and parents. The conclusions drawn offer useful international applications and show how silence in schools can be effective in many different types of educational setting.

Keywords
silence; schools; schooling; meditation; mindfulness; democracy; democratic education