Covariation of Reading and Mathematical Development: A Longitudinal and Cross-Cultural Perspective

Covariation of Reading and Mathematical Development: A Longitudinal and Cross-Cultural Perspective

Professor Yang Xiujie

Faculty of Psychology

Beijing Normal University
 

June 1, 2026 (Monday)
12:45 – 14:00
Room 401-402, Meng Wah Complex, HKU

Chair: Professor Zhang Xiao

Abstract:

This thematic segment explores the interconnected growth trajectories of reading and mathematics in children, moving beyond viewing them as isolated skills. From a longitudinal perspective, it examines how early competencies in one domain (e.g., for reading, or  for math) can predict and influence subsequent development in the other. Key questions include: Do common foundational cognitive factors drive the co-development of these academic abilities? How do individual developmental paths create diverse profiles of academic strength and weakness over time? By integrating longitudinal and cross-cultural data, this research aims to uncover universal principles and culture-specific patterns in cognitive-academic development, offering insights for fostering synergistic growth in both critical learning domains.
 

About the speaker:
Yang Xiujie is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Psychology at Beijing Normal University. She is interested in Covariation of Reading and Mathematical Development, Children’s Cognitive Development and Learning Difficulties, and Brain Plasticity. She has published over 80 academic papers, such as the Developmental Science, Journal of Educational Psychology, NeuroImage, and Learning and Instruction. She currently serves as an editorial board member for Cognitive Processing, Infant and Child Development and PsyCh Journal. Professor Yang has been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Young Talent Promotion Project by the China Association for Science and Technology, the BNU Distinguished Scholar Award, and the Zhongying Young Scholar Award. She also serves as the Deputy Director of the Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Psychology, and received the Mid-Career Award from the Association for Reading and Writing in Asia in 2024.

~ All are welcome ~

~ This seminar is sponsored by Tin Ka Ping Visiting Fellowship Scheme ~