Dr Cameron Downing
Lecturer

Profile

Biography

I am a Lecturer in the Department of Education, having completed my PhD in Psychology and post-doctoral training at Bangor University. Before joining the department, I taught at both Bangor University and Leeds Trinity University.

My research interests lie in understanding how we learn to read and write, and why some individuals face greater difficulties in these areas. I am particularly keen to apply this knowledge to develop and evaluate effective assessments, instructional methods, and interventions within schools.

Research

Overview

My research focuses on understanding typical and disordered reading and writing development. Specifically, I explore:

1. The co-development of spelling and handwriting skills.
2. Disorders which impact our ability to learn to read and write (eg dyslexia).
3. The development and evaluation of tools to assist schools in effectively assessing, teaching, and intervening to improve literacy outcomes for all children.

I use a combination of correlational and experimental methods, including randomised controlled trials, to address these topics.

For an up-to-date list of my publications and activities, please visit my PURE database profile.

Research group(s)

• PERC

Grants

My research has received funding from the ESRC, Welsh Government, Nuffield Foundation, and the Waterloo Foundation.

Supervision

I welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students interested in developing projects in the following areas:

• Development of reading, spelling, and handwriting skills
• Disorders affecting reading and writing development, including co-occurring difficulties
• Reading and spelling instruction and intervention
• Evaluation of educational interventions