Educational Psychologists and how they can help

Educational Psychologists (EPs) work with the entire age range, from preschool children to adults. They have, until 2009, been required to be trained teachers with at least two years qualified teaching experience covering nursery/preschool to nineteen years of age. EPs therefore have a detailed and often extensive understanding of learning within educational settings, including adult education.

A range of educational difficulties and strengths are dealt with by EPs, including specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia (literacy learning), dyscalculia (difficulties with number) as well as less common problems such as non-verbal learning difficulties. They may also have special expertise in language, social and communication difficulties such as autistic spectrum disorders and Asperger syndrome. In particular EPs will consider and advise on the practical impact of identified difficulties (and strengths) in educational settings but also in work settings.

EPs have expertise in child development, development of cognitive abilities, motivation, self-esteem, how people learn, and on teaching and instructional methods and approaches.

It's never too late to seek advice

Many value the understanding gained and advice given following a detailed assessment by an EP. This can reveal both unrealised cognitive strengths and a better and deeper understanding of the individual's educational history and the causes of difficulties experienced. It can allow a person to frame a fresh understanding of themselves. This may particularly help them move forward or to compensate for any specific difficulties they may have. Central to the philosophy of applied psychology is that better understanding can allow positive ways to go forward. Many difficulties, especially when subtle, can be missed by schools and teachers, however well-meaning.

Why Conrad Martin?

Conrad gained his Honours degree in Psychology and an M.A. at Sussex University, Qualified as a teacher in special needs and outdoor pursuits at Coleg Normal Bangor and taught for nine years in Secondary, Special and Primary schools. He has also taught both psychology undergraduates and post-graduates. Following post-graduate qualification at Newcastle University, Conrad has over 25 years experience as an Educational Psychologist, having worked with all ages, from pre-school to adults.

Conrad is an experience educational psychologist in Local Authority Services, and served as an Hon. Associate tutor on the Newcastle EP training course, teaching research methodology and systematic classroom observation, for 18 years.

He has presented academic papers to both the British Psychological and Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) Annual Conferences, as well as to many regional conferences. Conrad is also a nationally recognised expert on literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, and other developmental disorders/ difficulties and is the longest serving editorial board member of the peer-reviewed journal 'Educational Psychology in Practice'.