Montessori researcher to speak at local school

11/9/2011

An internationally renowned researcher and psychology professor will discuss "how children learn best" Thursday at West Side Montessori's Bancroft Campus.

Angeline Stoll Lillard's presentation begins at 7 p.m. at 7115 W. Bancroft St.

Her presentation aims to address questions such as: "Why, after decades of efforts, are children not learning to their best potential?" "Why are traditional classrooms still in crisis?" "Is Montessori a viable alternative?"

She is expected to explain, based on research, how traditional teaching methods "fall short" and how "evidence points, time and time again, to the teaching methods developed by physician Maria Montessori."

Ms. Lillard has published a book on Montessori education, Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius.

Her talk is directed toward "anyone interested in how humans develop and learn, from parents exploring education options to teachers, health-care professionals, and childcare providers."

Although the presentation is free and open to the public, reservations are required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

West Side Montessori, a private school, enrolls students from ages 13 months through eighth grade. The school has campuses in Toledo, Sylvania, Perrysburg, and southeast Michigan.

The school offers group tours at 9 a.m. on Thursdays at the McCord Campus, 2105 N. McCord Rd.

For more information, call 419-866-1931.