Silence in classrooms: A postcolonial case study of spirituality infused pedagogy in an Australian primary school
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper explores the use of silence in the teaching practices of three primary school teachers. Using a qualitative case study approach, the paper examines how teachers engage with the complexities of implementing silence in their teaching. Using a postcolonial lens, this paper explores hegemonic binary oppositions: East/West, speech/silence, teacher talk/student talk. The article outlines practical strategies teachers use to incorporate silence into their everyday classroom practice. The findings show that silence was implemented through meditation, pauses, and everyday learning, and that these specific techniques support students' reflection, focus, creativity, and knowledge.
Author: Ketki Bhandari
Institution: Monash University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7167426013