BSc Psychology; MEd Child Development; PGCE;BPhil Special Education: Visual Handicap; PhD

Research and Projects Interests

My research interests have been concerned with the identification and reduction of potential barriers to learning and participation for children with sensory impairment and more complex needs (eg children with multiple disabilities which include visual impairment). Particular themes within this focus have included:

• Early literacy/communication (including Moon, objects of reference etc),
• Role of touch in teaching and learning,
• Role of LVAs for children with visual impairment and additional needs.

As a member of VICTAR (Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research) I am also engaged in a range of funded research projects that relate to education and visual impairment. Recent projects within VICTAR include:

• 'Network 1000 project'
• 'Routes to literacy through Moon'
• 'Inclusion of children with visual impairment in developing countries'
• 'Development on online problem-based learning resources'

Details of other funded projects are available on the VICTAR homepage.

I have a broad research interest in professional learning and pedagogy for new teaching and learning technologies. With funding from a University of Birmingham Teaching Fellowship (2005-06) these interests were combined recently with the development of an online resource on problem-based learning for use by staff at the University (Virtual Teaching and Learning Centre for Problem-Based Learning).

Teaching Interests

My main teaching role is joint Programme Coordinator for the BPhil/PGDiploma Mandatory Qualification for Teachers of Children with Visual Impairment. This programme is designed for practicing teachers working with children who have visual impairments. This award is a two year distance education programme and is recognised by the GTC as meeting the requirements of a 'mandatory qualification' (MQ). The programme includes an assessed teaching placement, a braille course and attendance at residential weekends held at the University of Birmingham. Other responsibilities include input to SEN modules on programmes within the School of Education, as well as the supervision of MEd and PhD students.

Publications (selection)

McLinden, M., McCall, S. and Hinton, D. (2007) Embedding online problem-based learning case scenarios in a distance education programme for specialist teachers of children with visual impairment European. Journal of Special Needs, 22 (3): 275-293

McLinden, M., McCall, S. and Hinton, D. (2006) Participation in online problem-based learning – insights from postgraduate teachers studying through distance education. Distance Education,  21, (3): 235-249

McLinden, M., McCall, S., Hinton, D. and Douglas, G. (2006) Developing online Problem-based learning resources for use in the professional development of specialist teachers of children with visual impairment studying through distance education. Open Learning, 21 (3): 235-249

McLinden, M. (2004) Haptic exploratory strategies and children who are blind and have additional disabilities. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 98 (2): 99 –115

McLinden, M., Douglas, G. and McCall, S. and Arter, C. (2002) The use of low vision aids with children who have multiple disabilities and visual impairment in the United Kingdom. Visual Impairment Research, 4 (2): 91-106

McLinden, M. and McCall, S. (2002) Learning Through Touch. David Fulton: London

Publication 2001 - 2008 [complete, pdf]