Faculty Profiles: Lee Swanson
Distinguished Professor of Education and Peloy Chair, H. Lee Swanson
Bachelor's Degree, major
B.A., Sociology/Psychology, Westmont College
Master’s Degree, major
MA, Educational Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles
Doctoral Degree, research area, conferring institution
Ph.D., Educational Psychology, University of New Mexico
Post-Doctoral work, Educational Psychology, University of California at Los Angeles
Area of research:
Information processing and individual differences, especially cognitive development and memory. Learning disabilities in children.
The goals of my research are to develop a theoretical model of learning disabilities that includes the cognitive mechanisms that moderate reading, writing and mathematical performance. The research program also includes developing dynamic testing situations that accurately diagnose learning disabilities and designing treatment programs to facilitate cognitive processes related to intelligence and achievement.
Favorite Quote:
“God is in heaven and you are on earth so let your words be few.” - Ecclesiastes 5:2
Selected publications:
Swanson, H.L., Saez, L., & Gerber, M. (2006) Growth in literacy and cognition in bilingual children at risk for reading disabilities. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98,247-264
Swanson, H. L. (2006) Cognitive processes that underlie mathematical precociousness in young children, Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 93, 239-264.
Swanson, H. L. & Jerman, O. (2006). Math Disabilities: A selective meta-analysis of the literature. Review of Educational Research, 76, 249-274.
Swanson, H.L., & Kim, K. (2007). Working Memory, Short-Term Memory, and Naming Speed as Predictors of Children’s Mathematical Performance. Intelligence,35, 151-168
Swanson, H.L., & Jerman, O. (2007). The Influence of Working Memory growth on Reading Growth in Subgroups of Children with Reading Disabilities. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 96, 249-283
Swanson, H.L., Jerman, O., & Zheng, X. (2008). Growth in working memory and mathematic problem solving in children at risk and not at risk for serious math difficulties. Journal of Educational Psychology, 100,343-380
Swanson, H. L., Rosston, K., Gerber, M., & Solari, E. (2008). Influence of oral language and phonological processing on children’s bilingual reading, Journal of School Psychology
Swanson, H. L. (in press) Working memory and intelligence: What develops? Journal of Educational Psychology
How I discovered my professional passion:
Because I was a conscientious objector, I did alternative service during the Vietnam War working with young people with behavior disorders and learning disabilities. A lot of them were 16 or 17-years-old and couldn’t read. They were very bright but, for whatever reason, they could not read. I found it to be a way of helping.
Only at UCR’s GSOE do you find:
At other institutions, you have an unevenness in qualifications of the faculty. When I came here, I was impressed with the overall quality of the faculty.
Why being at UCR’s GSOE is a good place for me to carry out my research:
For people who enjoy that activity, this is a great place to be. I get paid to read. It’s a supportive environment, and I have a great group of students who are a joy. They teach me, really.
What reading do you keep on your nightstand?
I enjoy biographies of presidents, books in the political genre and history books. I just finished three by David McCullough (Truman, 1776, and John Adams). I also am plodding through Jeff Shaara’s Gods and Generals. A wonderful one I finished was written by my son’s advisor, Michael Kazin, called A Godly Hero: The life of William Jennings Bryan.
Now I am reading a memoir by Clarence Thomas, My Grandfather’s Son, and finishing the New York Times 2008 Almanac. I usually read a chapter from the Bible before I turn out the lights.
How my students have influenced – and inspired – me:
I get pleasure out of interacting with students, especially the students who really have a thirst in the field. I think sometimes they bring an originality to the research process.
Favorite books as a child?
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
In junior high, I enjoyed:
Reaching for the Stars: A Biography of the Great Pioneer in Space Exploration, Wernher Von Braun by Erik Bergaust
The Heart of a Champion by Bob Richards
I loved O. Henry’s short stories
I also absorbed biographies on track athletes (e.g., Jesse Owens)
Leisure activities:
I have run a few marathons---one three years ago. I jog regularly. I’m a terrible golfer---but golf frequently with my three sons. I enjoy landscaping, planting. I write poetry on occasion.