Focus 4 - Silence is Golden

At DHSB we believe that classrooms benefit from alternating between silent and more collaborative modes of learning, as both have distinct advantages. Silent work helps manage students’ working memory, allowing focused attention on complex tasks like problem-solving or writing. It supports independent practice, aligning with Rosenshine’s principle that extensive practice is needed for skills to become automatic. However, noise in collaborative settings can foster critical thinking, communication, and group problem-solving. 

Effective learning requires a balance, with structured transitions between modes ensuring students experience both deep focus and rich, interactive learning opportunities. Context and clear purpose guide our dynamic approach.

We have a common method across across the school that staff can use which indicates a phase of the lesson that is to be conducted in silence. This is a time which is not punitive but a period of silent focus that students are prepared for, are aware of how long it lasts and can focus hard on the task without the extraneous load of other noise.