The Sound of Silence

Ours is a noisy and seldom silent world. The scriptures often illustrate the benefits that come from deep and quiet pondering.

I recently read an interesting article on this topic by Faye Marsha G. Camahalan ("Learning the Lessons of Silence," The Teaching professor, June/July 2006, p. 2):

"The lessons of silence." I found these four words in Lao Zi's book, the "Tao Te Ching." I have been ruminating over them lately. In our modern society more and more individual fear stillness. In our classrooms, fewer students apprecaite the sound of silence. Their faces light up when I give them animated lesson presentations but wilt whenever I ask them to pause and think about the ideas we have just considered. Outside my classroom, I seldom see them minus headsets, earphones, or cell phones. ...

"Deep learning is a product of profound reflection. ...

"Students lead busy, stressful lives -- silence can relieve that stress and change the climate in the classroom. My efforts to teach students the lessons
of silence have had some positive results. Students understand situations better. They feel more confident about their ability to cope and so they respond more thoughtfully and less emotionally. I have few students whining, dismayed, confused, and panic stricken and more students acting like confident, empowered learners."

Hopefully we can teach our students to appreciate silence and the opportunity to ponder the truths of eternity.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com