Helping Children with Reading and Writing Difficulties: A fundamental goal of education systems worldwide

Dominic Wyse, Professor of Early Childhood and Primary Education, UCL Institute of Education

Abstract

In most education systems worldwide, helping all children learn to read and write is a prime goal. But it is a goal that many rich and poor nations alike have continually failed to meet. The reasons for these failures include inadequate theories, cherry picking of research to fit ideological agendas, poor teaching practices, and a lack of vision. In offering alternatives to current policy and practice this talk focuses on some of the international research and impact of ‘The Balancing Act Initiative’. Alternative perspectives in theory, research, and practice are offered in the hope of a better future for children’s education.

Bio

Dominic Wyse’s research includes a sustained contribution to effective teaching of reading and writing particularly with primary age children. Dominic developed the theory of teaching, The Double Helix of Reading and Writing with his co-author Charlotte Hacking. The theory is published in the prize winning research paper, 'Decoding, reading and writing: the double helix theory of teaching'. The debates and evidence-based practices are covered in the highly commended book, 'The Balancing Act: An evidence-based approach to teaching phonics, reading and writing.‘ The Balancing Act Initiative’ has attracted attention internationally from, policy makers, researchers, teachers, the media, and wider society. In 2026 the research published in the book 'How Writing Works: From the invention of the alphabet to the rise of social media' was featured in BBC Radio 4’s ‘Life Without …” series. Dominic has also made career long contributions to primary and early childhood education; curriculum policy; and on education as an academic discipline in universities.

Joining Online
This event will be accessible via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend online, please contact ed.research@durham.ac.uk to request the Teams link.