When my children were younger and their elated screams filled the house, my husband, Colin, would often remark "they're making noise, so we know they're alive".

As I recently reflected on this statement, I recalled a conversation about learning styles. Learning styles refer to the way people take in and process information – auditory, kinesthetically, visually, or a combination of any of these. An auditory learning style suggests that a person prefers to hear concepts and often does not mind oral presentations. The visual learning style focuses on using sight as the primary means of understanding (diagrams, pictures, etc.). The kinesthetic learner often prefers to do something in order to develop understanding (moving around, building, creating, etc.)

Several of my students swear that they can listen to music and do homework. Some comment that they need quiet to concentrate — no distractions. Others still suggest that, depending on the activity, they can work under varying conditions.

I remember a former principal of mine sharing that a quiet classroom does not mean a productive classroom. The level of engagement is what will determine the benefit of any educational experience.

A framework being used in many public school classrooms encourages collaboration among students. Regular discussions take place in the 'circle' or 'community'. Students have opportunities to share in table groups their responses to literature or connections made in writing.

Such 'noise' is something some educators are learning to appreciate. Today's student needs to be actively engaged. Talking provides that.

Bermuda has a culture of talking, so why not use it to learn.

As with other educational activities, noise needs to be constructive. Debates, opinions, book recommendation presentations and book/writer talks, will provide opportunities for students to talk about their responses to literature.