How do children learn to read and spell irregular words?

About the project

About the Project Australian Catholic University (ACU) is offering one full-time PhD scholarship to undertake research investigating children's ability to learn to read new words that do not follow phonics pronunciations rules. Study mode: Full-time for up to 3.5 years Location: North Sydney campus What you'll investigate The successful candidate will work with Dr Signy Wegener on her Australian Research Council-funded DECRA Fellowship. The project will involve conducting experimental training studies within primary school settings. Ultimately, results of this project will shed light on how to improve the teaching of irregular word reading and spelling in Australian classrooms. Your research community Principal supervisor Dr Signy Wegener View profile Faculty Faculty of Education and Arts Research at ACU's Faculty of Education and Arts explores the transformative power of learning, culture, and creativity. Through interdisciplinary inquiry in education, humanities, and the arts, our researchers address social and cultural challenges, inform policy and practice, and contribute to a more inclusive and reflective society. Visit the faculty research website Affiliation Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy The Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy was established in 2023 with the twin aims of conducting world-leading research on how children learn to read and translating this research into effective teaching practices. In establishing the Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy, the Faculty of Education and Arts at Australian Catholic University sought to appoint both established and early career reading researchers of the highest calibre both domestically and internationally. This goal has been achieved. The Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy is now host to the largest number of high-calibre researchers working on questions related to reading acquisition in this country. Researchers in this team both generate and translate knowledge about evidence-informed literacy instruction and interventions across the school years. The Centre is developing a range of courses and graduate certificates, while also actively collaborating with schools across the education sector to ensure teachers have access to high-quality professional learning and co-designed classroom interventions based on the latest research. Visit the ACAL website How to apply Applications close: Open until awarded Step 1: Assess your eligibility Eligibility Before you apply, confirm you meet the following eligibility criteria: This opportunity is open to domestic and international applicants. The eligibility criteria for the PhD program at ACU can be found in the Higher Degree Research Policy . The eligibility criteria for research scholarships can be found in the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy . Requirements In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicant should have: Qualifications in a discipline related to reading (e.g., Cognitive Science, Psychology, Education) Strong interest in reading acquisition during primary school Strong interest in quantitative research methods, including experimental research Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team Applicants must either hold or be willing to obtain a current Working with Children Check Experience working with children in research, educational, or clinical settings (desirable) Experience with data collection and/or statistical analysis (desirable) Conditions By applying, you acknowledge and accept the following conditions: The scholarship package is subject to satisfactory progress and full-time study mode. The scholarship conditions align with the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy . The successful applicant will be required to assign their intellectual property (IP) to ACU as a condition of enrolment. Step 2: Express your interest Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Signy Wegener prior to applying for the PhD program and scholarship, to express their interest and discuss the project in detail. Email : signy.wegener@acu.edu.au Step 3: Submit your application To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at ACU, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus: A CV outlining relevant academic and practical experience; and A cover letter detailing demonstrated interest and/or experience in the program of research described. When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project "How do children learn to read and spell irregular words?".

Research areas