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STAFF PROFILE

Associate Professor Greg Robinson

Position: Associate Professor in School of Education
Director, Irlen Clinic

Room: SE25 Special Education Building

Telephone: +61 2 4921 6291

Facsimile: +61 2 4921 6939

Email: Greg.Robinson@newcastle.edu.au

Campus: Callaghan

Biography

Greg Robinson works in the Centre for Special Education and Disability Studies at the University of Newcastle. He coordinates the Master of Special Education course and is also coordinator of a diagnostic clinic for children and adults with learning disabilities. He has worked as a high school teacher, a school psychologist, a consultant and an academic. His research interests involve interpersonal skills, learning disabilities, literacy problems and parents as support agents.

Qualifications:

MAPsS
PhD 1984
MEd (Honours) 1976
DipEd (Sydney) 1965
BA (Sydney) 1964

Academic Appointments:

The Universityof Newcastle

Associate Professor, Special Education (2001 - present)
Senior Lecturer, Special Education (1989 - 2000)
Lecturer (1983-1987) Lecturer and Clinical Diagnostician (1977-1989)
Remedial Teacher (p/t) (1972-1975)
Lecturer in Education (1974-1976)

Diploma of Irlen Institute

Lecturer (Honorary & p/t) (1996 - present)

Consultancies & Community Service:

Remedial Consultant, University of Reading, Berkshire, UK Centre for Teaching of Reading (1984)
School Psychologist, NSW (1970 - 1974)
Secondary School Teacher, NSW (1966 - 1969)

Professional Activities:

Conference Presentations

Refereed Conference Proceedings

Robinson, G.L., Sparkes, D., Dunstan, H., Roberts, T., & Conway, R.N. (2002). Biochemical anomalies in people with a visual processing problem causing reading difficulties: Implications for fatty acid metabolism and immune system dysfunction. Conference proceedings: 13th European Conference on Reading, Tallinn, Estonia.
Roberts, T.K., Dunstan, R.H., Robinson, G.L., Cosford, R.E., Butt, H.L., & McGregor, N.R. (2002). Metabolic profiling as a tool for investigating the molecular basis to disease with particular reference to autism. In R. Cosford & D. Meads-Barlow (Eds.), Conference proceedings: Second Mind of the Child Conference, Sydney.
Robinson, G.L., Sparkes, D., Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., & Conway, R.N. (2002). Biochemical anomalies in people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome who have visual problems: Implications for immune system dysfunction and dietary intervention. In C. Hunter (Ed.), Conference proceedings: Third International Clinical and Scientific Meeting Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue syndrome, Sydney.
Bruce, M., & Robinson, G.L. (2001). The clever kids reading program: Metacognition and reciprocal teaching. Conference proceedings: Twelfth International Reading Association European Conference, Dublin. (Also published in ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading, in the abstract journal Resources in Education.)
Robinson, G.L., & Whiting, P. (2001). Interpretation of emotion in a visual sub-type of dyslexia. In M. Johnson (Ed.), Conference papers: Fifth British Dyslexia Association International Conference, British Dyslexia Association: York
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T., & McGregor, N. (2001). Investigation of biochemical anomalies in people with dyslexia: Implication for immune system dysfunction and dietary intervention. In M. Johnson (Ed.), Conference papers: Fifth British Dyslexia Association International Conference, British Dyslexia Association: York.
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, R.H., & Butt, H. (2000). Investigation of biochemical anomalies in people with dyslexia: Implications for immune system dysfunction and dietary intervention. In M. Littler (Ed.), International Special Education Congress, University of Manchester, 24-28 July, 2000, ISEC 2000, Manchester.
Brennan, S., & Robinson, G.L. (1999). Three approaches to comprehension instruction for children with literacy problems at high school level. In D. Evans (Ed.), Successful learning conference, University of Western Sydney, 21-23 July, 1999, UWS and NSW Department of Education and Training, Sydney.

Refereed Conference Presentations

Smith, S.R., Robinson, G.L., Arthur-Kelly, M., & Morgan, P. (2004). Teachers' perceptions of instructional differentiation to cater for student diversity: A pilot survey study. Australian Association of Research in Education Annual Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 25-28 November.
Smith, S.R., Robinson, G.L., Arthur-Kelly, M., & Morgan, P. (2004). The relationship between instructional differentiation, student diversity and academic engagement: A pilot observation study. Australian Association of Research in Education Annual Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 25-28 November.
Robinson, G.L. (2004). Irlen Syndrome, the symptoms, causes and effects on reading achievement and self-esteem. Eighth International Irlen Conference, Brugge, Belgium, 7-11 July.
Sparkes, D., Robinson, G.L., Dunstan, H., & Roberts, T.K. (2004). Biochemical anomalies in people with a visual sub-type of dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome. Sixth British Dyslexia Association International Conference, Warwick, UK, 27-30 March.
Robinson, G.L., Sparkes, D.L., Roberts, T.K., Dunstan, H., & Conway, R.N.F. (2003). Biochemical anomalies in people with a visual sub-type of dyslexia: Comparison of adult and child groups. International Dyslexia Association 54th Annual Conference, San Diego, California, 12-15 November.
Robinson, G.L., Sparkes, D., Dunstan, H., Roberts, T., & Conway, R.N. (2003). Biochemical anomalies in people with a visual processing problem causing reading difficulties: Implications for fatty acid metabolism and immune system dysfunction. 13th European Conference on Reading, Tallinn, Estonia.
Robinson, G.L., Sparkes, D.L., McGregor, N.R., Roberts, T.K., & Conway, R.N.F. (2002) Biochemical anomalies in people with a visual sub-type of dyslexia. Conference presentation. International Dyslexia Association 53rd Annual Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, 13-16 November.
Robinson, G.L., Sparkes, D.L., Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., & Conway, R.N.F. (2001). Biochemical anomalies in people with chronic fatigue syndrome who have visual problems: Implications for immune system dysfunction and dietary intervention. Third International Clinic and Scientific Meeting: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Sydney, Australia, 1-2 December.
Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, R.H., Butt, H.L., & Robinson, G.L. (2001). Metabolic profiling as a tool for investigating the molecular basis to disease. Second International Mind of the Child Conference, Sydney, Australia, 21-23 September.
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T.K., & McGregor, N. (2001). Biochemical anomalies in people with dyslexia: Implications for early identification. International Conference on Special Education, Antalya, Turkey, 24-27 July.
Bruce, M., & Robinson, G.L. (2001). A classroom based metacognitive and reciprocal teaching program for improving word recognition and comprehension to grade 5 and 6 poor readers. Twelfth International Reading Association European Conference on Reading, Dublin, Ireland, 1-4 July.
Whiting, P., & Robinson, G.L. (2001). The effect of visual processing problems on the interpretation of body language. SPELD 2001 International Conference, 27-28 April.
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N., & Dunstan, H. (2001). Investigation of biochemical anomalies in people with dyslexia: Implications for immune system dysfunction and dietary intervention. Fifth British Dyslexia Association International Conference, University of York, UK, 16-22 April.
Robinson, G.L., & Whiting, P. (2001). Interpretation of emotion from facial expression in a visual sub-type of dyslexia. Fifth British Dyslexia Association International Conference, University of York, UK, 16-22 April.
Roberts, T.K., Robinson, G.L., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, R.H., & Butt, H. (2001). Scotopic vision alterations in chronic fatigue syndrome. Fifth International Conference, American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Seattle, US, 26-29 January.
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T.K., & McGregor, N.R. (2000). Investigation of biochemical anomalies in people with a visual form of dyslexia: Implications for early identification and dietary intervention. Australian Association for Research in Education National Conference, Sydney, 4-7 December.
Ellis, E.B., Roberts, T.K., Dunstan, R.H., McGregor, N.R., Butt, H.L., Robinson, G.L., & Cosford, R.E. (2000). Metabolic profiling as a tool for investigating molecular basis for disease. Nutritional Society of Australian National Conference, Fremantle, 3-5 December.
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, R.H., & Butt, H. (2000). Investigation of biochemical anomalies in people with dyslexia: Implications for immune system dysfunction and dietary intervention. International Special Education Congress, University of Manchester, UK, 24-28 July.
Absalom, D., & Robinson, G.L. (2000). Tertiary literacy ain't what we thought. Conference of the Applied Linguistics Association of Australia. Perth, 24-26 March.
Bruce, M., & Robinson, G.L. (1999). A metacognitive program for improving word identification and reading comprehension skills. Australian Association of Research in Education Conference, Melbourne, 29 November - 3 December.
Robinson, G.L. (1999). Visual processing problems and reading/literacy difficulties: Two surveys of the familial incidence of visual processing problems and a preliminary investigation of possible biochemical indicators. Eleventh International Reading Association European Conference on Reading, Stavanger, Norway, 24-28 July.
Brennan, S., & Robinson, G.L. (1999). Three approaches to comprehension instruction for children with literacy problems at high school level. In D. Evans (Ed.), Successful learning conference, University of Western Sydney, 21-23 July, UWS and NSW Department of Education and Training, Sydney.
McGregor, N.R., Robinson, G.L., Dunstan, R.H., Niblett, S.H., Hoskin, L., King, K., Clifton-Bligh, P., Butt, H.L., & Roberts, T.K. (1999). Biochemical anomalies associate with visual processing disability (Scotopic vision). Second World Congress on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Brussels, Belgium.
Robinson, G.L. (1998). The effects of Irlen coloured filters on eye movement: A placebo controlled long term study. Fifth International Conference on Perceptual and Learning Development, Cambridge University, UK, 1-3 July.
Twenty conference proceedings prior to 1998, thirteen from international conferences, and seven from Australian conferences with an international orientation.

Non-Refereed Conference Presentations

Robinson, G.L., Irlen Syndrome, characteristics, causes and effects on reading achievement. Invited presentation. Paediatric Interest Group Seminar, Newcastle, 3 June, 2003.
Sparkes, D.L., Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T., & Dunstan, H. Biochemical anomalies associated with Irlen Syndrome. Advanced Syntonics Conference, Sydney, 31 May - 1 June, 2003.
Robinson, G.L., & Sparkes, D. Biochemical anomalies in people with visual processing problems causing reading difficulties. Australian Psychological Society NSW State Conference, Newcastle, 23-25 May, 2003.
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., Sparkes, D.L., & Conway, R.N.F. Biochemical anomalies in people with Irlen Syndrome: Essential fatty acid metabolism, immune system dysfunction and dietary intervention. Fifth Australasian Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Christchurch, New Zealand, 28 September - 1 October, 2001.
Robinson, G.L., Sparkes, D.L., McGregor, N., & Roberts, T. Metabolic profiling for people with Irlen Syndrome: A disturbance in fatty acid metabolism? Keynote speaker. Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Christchurch, New Zealand, 28 September - 1 October, 2001.
Robinson, G.L. Cognitive and language characteristics of students with learning disabilities. Invited presentation. IES National Conference: Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities in Inclusive School Classrooms, Sydney, 28-29 August, 2000.
Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, R.H., Robinson, G.L., Cosford, R.E., & Ellis, E.B. Metabolic profiling as a tool for investigating the molecular basis for disease. Invited presentation. Sixth International Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Twin Waters, Qld, Australia, 5-8 July, 2000.
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, H., Barbolini, G., & Elliott, R. A biochemical analysis of people with chronic fatigue who have Irlen Syndrome. Keynote address. Sixth International Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Twin Waters, Qld, Australia, 5-8 July, 2000.
Robinson, G.L., & Whiting, P. Interpretation of emotion from facial expression for children with a visual perceptual processing disability. Invited presentation. Sixth International Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Twin Waters, Qld, Australia, 5-8 July, 2000.
Roberts, T.K., Robinson, G.L., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, R.H., & Butt, H. Amino acid abnormalities in visual dyslexia. Invited presentation. Mind of the Child Conference, Sydney, 20-22 August, 1999.
Robinson, G.L., & Brennan, S. Use of mental imagery to enhance comprehension for students with literacy problems at secondary level: Bell's Visualising and Verbalising Program. Invited presentation. Successful Learning Conference, University of Western Sydney - Macarthur, 22 July, 1999.
Robinson, G.L. The familial incidence of symptoms of Scotopic Sensitivity/Irlen Syndrome: A review of two studies. Keynote speaker, Fifth International Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Cambridge University, UK, 1-3 July, 1998.
Robinson, G.L. Other possible causal variables for symptoms of SSIS? Preliminary results for a pilot study of biochemical anomalies. Keynote speaker, Fifth International Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Cambridge University, UK, 1-3 July, 1998.

Prior to 1998 twenty one conference presentations, including presentations at regional, state, national and international conferences.

Research:

Interests

Biochemical anomalies in children and adults with learning disabilities/dyslexia
The influence of parents as support agents for children with learning disabilities
Developing effective reading comprehension strategies

Training & Supervision

Numerous in-service courses for teachers and other professionals in the areas of learning disabilities, dyslexia and interpersonal skills.
Supervision of 10 PhD students and 11 MEd (Special Education) students

Prizes, Honours and Awards

Research Fellow of the Irlen Institute, 2004.
Irlen Institute Outstanding Achievement Award, 1998.
Irlen Institute Outstanding Achievement Award, 1996.
Irlen Institute Master Diagnostician Award, 1993.

Scholarly Activities:

Keynote Addresses

Robinson, G.L. Biochemical anomalies in people with Irlen Syndrome. Keynote speaker. Eighth international Irlen Conference, Brugge, Belgium, 7-11 July, 2004.
Robinson, G.L. Processing visual information: The nature, symptoms, possible causes of problems and how they affect reading, spelling and self image. Keynote speaker. SPELD NSW Conference, Sydney, 12 April, 2003.
Robinson, G.L., Sparkes, D.L., Roberts, T.K., Dunstan, H., McGregor, N.R., & Conway, R.N.F. Biochemical anomalies in people with Irlen Syndrome: Overlapping diagnostic categories, immune system dysfunction and dietary intervention. Keynote address. Seventh International Irlen Conference, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, 11-14 July, 2002.
Whiting, P.R., & Robinson, G.L. The interpretation of emotion from facial expression for children with Irlen Syndrome. Invited paper. Seventh International Irlen Conference, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, 11-14 July, 2002.
Robinson, G.L., Roberts, T.K., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, H. A biochemical analysis of people with chronic fatigue who have Irlen Syndrome. Keynote address. Sixth International Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Twin Waters, Qld, Australia, 5-8 July, 2000.
Robinson, G.L., & Whiting, P. Interpretation of emotion from facial expression for children with visual perceptual processing disability. Invited presentation. Sixth International Conference for Perceptual and Learning Development, Twin Waters, Qld, Australia, 5-8 July, 2000.
Roberts, R.K., Robinson, G.L., McGregor, N.R., Dunstan, R.H., & Butt, H. Amino acid abnormalities in visual dyslexia. Invited presentation. Mind of the Child Conference, Sydney, 20-22 August, 1999.
Robinson, G.L. Current research initiatives into visual processing problems. Invited presentation. Fourth Biannual Australasian Irlen Conference, University of Newcastle, 20-21 May, 1999.
Robinson, G.L. The familial incidence of symptoms of Scotopic Sensitivity/Irlen Syndrome: A review of two studies. Invited presentation. Fifth Irlen International Conference, Queens College, Cambridge, 1-3 July, 1998.
Robinson, G.L. Another possible causal variable for symptoms of SSIS? Preliminary results for a pilot study of biochemical anomalies. Keynote presentation. Fifth Irlen International Conference, Queens College, Cambridge, 1-3 July, 1998.
Robinson, G.L. Children with specific literacy disabilities: Causes, consequences and possible support mechanisms. Invited presentation. Australian Institute of Learning Disabilities Annual Conference, Perth, 1-2 May, 1998.
Prior to 1998, eleven invitations to present as a Keynote Speaker at national and international conferences.

Governance

2003, Director, Special Education Centre, University of Newcastle
Assistant Director, Special Education Centre, University of Newcastle.1986-present: Director, Irlen Lens Research Program, Special Education Centre
Coordinator, Master of Special Education
Practicum Coordinator, Master of Special Education
1991-1999: Member, Research Committee, Faculty of Education
Member, Board of Directors, International Irlen Institute for Perceptual and Learning Development

Membership of Networks and Professional Associations

Australian Literacy Educators Association
Australian Association of Special Education
Board of Educational and Developmental Psychologists
Hunter Region learning Disabilities Support Group

Memberships of Editorial Boards

1998 - Present: Editorial Committee, Special Education Perspectives
1999 - Present: Editorial Committee, Ophthalmological and Physiological Optics
1993 - 1998: Editor, Australia/New Zealand Irlen Newsletter
2002 - Present: Editorial Committee, Australian Journal of Educational and Developmental Ps