External Research Opportunities

IDA Ontario is committed to supporting literacy through research, education and advocacy! We value empirical research, recognizing that research plays a central role in literacy for all.

This page provides information about various research opportunities that users may choose to participate in. These projects are not affiliated with IDA Ontario, and the inclusion of a project on our website does not constitute an endorsement by IDA Ontario. We do not assume responsibility for the content, methodologies, or outcomes of external research projects listed. Participants are encouraged to independently assess and evaluate a research project before deciding to participate.

Mount Saint Vincent University Researchers: Dr. Andrea Fraser & Dr. Jamie Metsala

Teachers’ Knowledge and Self-Efficacy for Teaching Foundational Reading Skills

We invite you to take part in a study that will explore changes in teacher knowledge and self- efficacy concerning foundational word reading skills. As a participant in this study, you would be asked to complete an online survey two times (Time 1: Winter 2023/24; Time 2: Winter 2024/25). Your data will be recorded under a unique ID and your school/regional centre will not be aware of your participation.

In terms of time commitment, your participation would thus involve two online surveys, each of which is approximately 25-35 minutes. Upon completion of the survey, you will be entered into a draw for a $75.00 Chapters gift card as a thank you for your participation.

Click Here to Take the Survey

University of Toronto Researchers: PhD Student Emily Staffiere and School & Clinical Psychologist Dr. Todd Cunningham

Research Opportunity: Typing Practice for Elementary School Students

Do you have a student in Grades 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 that is wanting to learn how to type? Research opportunity available for students with and without learning challenges to learn to type. Students will participate in typing instruction via online use of the Typing Club program, for which an account/license will be provided for 3 months. An initial visit required at the University of Toronto OISE building for baseline measures, as well as a visit after the intervention is complete. To ask any further questions, or to express interest in enrolling in the study, please email  emily.staffiere@mail.utoronto.ca

University of Toronto Researchers: Paige Vaccarella, B.A. and School & Clinical Psychologist Dr. Todd Cunningham

Research Study: Grades 7 - 10 Students

We are looking for students in grades 7 to 10 with a diagnosed Learning Disability who use or have used assistive technology (e.g., iPad, tablet, computer, laptop or reading pen) to support them in the classroom to take part in this research. The purpose of this study is to better understand what factors impact adolescents with a learning disability's use of assistive technology in the general education classroom.

Click For More Information

The Hospital for Sick Children: Research Coordinator Sarah McGaughey and Study Investigators Dr. Darren Kadis and Dr. Cathy Barr

Neuroimaging-based Modeling and Neurobiology of Reading Disability in Childhood

To participate, children must:

  • struggle with reading
  • be 6-16 years old
  • have a sibling, less than three years apart in age, who is a strong reader

 

Participation in the study involves:

  • one full day visit (per child) at the Hospital for Sick Children
  • cognitive and reading tests
  • MEG and MRI scan of the brain
  • parent questionnaires
  • a blood draw for participants who qualify

 

Families will receive a report of their child's psycho-educational assessment results, which could be useful in educational planning. 
For more information please contact: sarah.mcgaughey@sickkids.ca 
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