Capçalera GRECIL amb logos UB i UOC
Cognition and Language Research Group

Support our research

Want to work with us?

We are currently working on three projects:

Want to get involved? Contact us at labgrecil@gmail.com

  • The research programme “Oral language assessment and intervention in early childhood education to prevent reading difficulties (PREVENT)” consists of the design, implementation and evaluation of a programme to intervene in oral language using Kinect technology. The object of the research is to study the benefits of an intervention using the Azure Kinect system with games featuring interaction and movement on oral language learning and learning to read after primary education in children with oral language difficulties. To conduct this research, we are looking for five-year-olds (currently in Reception) diagnosed (or at high risk of being diagnosed) as having a developmental language disorder (SLI/DLD). Participation in this project will involve an initial and final assessment of oral language level, taking part in an intervention programme consisting of 10-12 sessions, and a reading level assessment the following year. The results will allow us to study the benefits of working on oral language in childhood education for learning to read.

 

  • The research project “The role of prosody and gesture in the acquisition of pragmatics: typical and atypical populations (PROGESPRAG)” investigates the role of prosody and gesture in the acquisition of pragmatics. Pragmatics studies how context influences the interpretation of meaning. We are interested here in determining how intonation and gesture can make it easier for the child to understand the message with the interlocutor. Therefore, we are looking for participants aged between five and eight years with developmental language disorder (SLI/DLD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants in the project will undergo an initial assessment and do a series of activities to assess their pragmatic skills in different contexts. The results will help us to determine the most suitable context for children with SLI/DLD or ASD to develop communication skills in the best possible way. More details here.

 

  • The “Improving oral skills in early childhood education” research project is designed to determine how narrative and pragmatic skills can be improved in five-year-olds through storytelling and by emphasizing socio-communicative skills and relationships with others. We are looking for participants who are five years old (in Preschool or Reception) and have been diagnosed (or are at risk of being diagnosed) with a developmental language disorder (SLI/DLD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and who use at least fifty words and form combinations of two words. Participation in the project requires an initial assessment and a final one after the intervention, in addition to participation in the intervention, which will consist of sessions adapted to the child’s progress and learning. Participation in the project will directly benefit the child’s language development, since their narrative and social skills will improve.

 

All participating children will undergo a free, in-depth assessment with a range of oral language tasks, and their families will receive the results of all tests in the different assessment tasks. Should your child meet the requirements, two of the projects also include a free intervention programme.

Get involved and give science a boost!

Want to get involved? Contact us at labgrecil@gmail.com

Research ethics
The personal data of all participants will be processed in compliance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Organic Law 3/2018 on the protection of personal data and guarantee of digital rights. The information relating to your child is confidential and all data will remain anonymous. Personal details will be stored securely and only for the stated purpose. In accordance with the provisions of said legislation, you may exercise your rights of access, modification, opposition and erasure of your personal data through the established means of contact.

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