Expert on Brain Research to Speak
Rita Smilkstein, an expert in teaching-learning theory based on brain research and
how to teach according to the brain's natural learning process, will speak at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the Wallman Hall Auditorium at Fairmont State.
A frequent speaker throughout the U.S. and Canada, Smilkstein's area of expertise
is teacher-learning theory based on brain research and how to teach according to the
brain's natural learning process. Teachers, parents of home-schooled students and
anyone who is interested in learning more about how the brain works is encouraged
to attend Smilkstein's lecture, which is being sponsored by Fairmont State Community
& Technical College.
Smilkstein's publications include textbooks for teaching study skills and grammar
as well as articles on how to apply the brain's natural learning process to curriculum
development and instructional methods across the disciplines. She is currently Professor
Emerita (English), at North Seattle Community College and, as an invited lecturer,
teaches educational psychology at Western Washington University's Woodring College
of Education.
Smilkstein has a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa, an M.A. in Speech from
Michigan State University and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University
of Washington. She has taught in middle school through graduate school, including
28 years at North Seattle Community College.
She has received a number of teaching awards, including the Excellence Award from
the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development in 1995, 1991; Outstanding
Teacher Award, Washington Association of Developmental Education, 1994; Award of Recognition
for Outstanding Contribution to Education Excellence, Washington Community Colleges/Vocational
Technical Institutes Councils, 1991; Burlington Northern Award for Significant and
Meritorious Teaching, 1990.
