Abstract:
Despite a widespread assumption that children can read when they leave primary education, nearly 20% of adolescents are not able to read simple texts accurately and with understanding. Most research on reading has focused on children and adults, neglecting the intervening adolescent period. In this presentation, Professor Ricketts and Dr Shapiro will present their research on reading and vocabulary during the transition from primary to secondary school. Professor Ricketts will present research on reading development and how to identify reading needs. Dr Shapiro will outline research that aims to promote reading amount and reading enjoyment.
Bio:
Professor Jessie Ricketts is based in the Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London and directs the Language and Reading Acquisition (LARA) research group. Jessie researches language and literacy in children, young people and adults. She is particularly interested in how reading benefits children’s learning and language. For example, how does learning to read change the way that we process language? Should we emphasise written forms when teaching children new words? How can we support adolescents to read more so that they can expand their vocabulary knowledge? Jessie works closely with teachers, educational charities and policy makers to conduct research and consider its implications for education.
Dr. Laura Shapiro is based at the Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment at Aston University and her core expertise is longitudinal research investigating the causes and consequences of language and literacy development using statistical causal modelling. Laura is interested in the foundational skills for literacy and how to support transition to primary school in UK and African contexts. She is also interested in how experiences of reading throughout school influence young people’s lifelong reading habits. Laura’s research crosses developmental, health and educational psychology and is shaped both by fundamental scientific questions and by the concerns of practitioners and policy makers.
