Retrieval practice is an effective strategy for learning and retaining information, including word learning and long-term retention of words.
This is the case for both typically developing children and those with a developmental language disorder (Leonard et al., 2019; Leonard & Deevy, 2020).
As children with Down syndrome can also display language learning deficits, we aim to examine whether retrieval practice has similar benefits on word learning for this group, compared to another learning method (restudy).
The current project will adapt the retrieval-based learning study of Leonard et al. (2019) for children with Down syndrome.
The study will take place online and will involve 4 sessions via the video conferencing platform Zoom.
Children will take part in novel word learning sessions where they will learn 6 novel words and semantic pieces of information (3 in the retrieval condition, 3 in the restudy condition).
We will compare the recall of novel words learned in the retrieval practice condition to those in a restudy condition (after a 5-minute delay and 1-week delay), to examine the effects of retrieval practice on word learning in children with Down syndrome.
You can find out more about the study by clicking here to download the participant information sheet or by contacting the researchers (details below).
If you’d like to take part in the study, please contact the researchers (details below).
About the researchers
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Dr Kelly Burgoyne Kelly is a Lecturer in Psychology and Education at the University of Manchester. Kelly’s research is focused on children’s language and literacy development and she has particular expertise in the development and evaluation of educational interventions to support language and literacy skills. She has specific experience and interests in working with children with Down syndrome. Email: Kelly.burgoyne@manchester.ac.uk
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Dr Laura Boundy Laura is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Manchester who is currently a researcher on the PACT-3 project (a language intervention programme aimed at parents). Before PACT, Laura worked at Manchester’s Child Study Centre and has significant experience working on research projects focused on child language, social and cognitive development. |