SILENCE in the classroom can enrich children's educational experience and improve behaviour and exam results, according to a Scottish academic.
Dr Helen Lees, a researcher in educational theory from Stirling University, said recent scientific research pointed to the widespread benefits of periods of quiet, from silent reading to meditation.
Dr Lees said a crucial transformation was the use of silence as a positive aid rather than a mechanism to control pupils.
"Negative application of silence is a misuse of silence's power to unlock children's potential," she said.
"However, when used positively, silence can have a hugely beneficial and transformative effect on both pupils and teachers."
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