Ms Margaret Freeman, M.Phil., M.Ed., MRCSLT (Reg)

Department of Human Communication Sciences
The University of Sheffield
31 Claremont Crescent
Sheffield
S10 2TA
UK


Tel: +44 (0) 114 222 2428
Fax: +44 (0) 114 273 0547

email : m.freeman@sheffield.ac.uk

Biography

• I started my career as a speech and language therapist and have worked in a range of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres and community rehabilitation. Although I enjoyed my clinical work, I became increasingly interested in both research and student teaching and, as a result, came to The University of Sheffield as a lecturer and clinical teacher, in 1992.
• The research I undertook for the M.Phil reflects my interest in the treatment of adults with acquired speech and voice disorders, while the work I undertook for the M.Ed degree in e-learning reflects my ongoing interest in the ways that we can use information technology for professional education and practice.

Research interests

• Professional education in speech and language therapy
• The uses of information and communication technology in speech and therapy
• The impact of dysarthric speech on communication
• Evaluation of the processes and outcomes of therapy for dysarthric speakers
• Information literacy and inquiry-based learning in speech and language therapy

Current projects

• The effects of music therapy on dysarthric speakers, with Dr. S. Brumfitt, HCS and Dr. W. Magee, Royal Hospital for Neurodisability, London.
• Information resources and study skills development, with Peter Stubley & Lyn Parker, University of Sheffield Library
• Centre for Inquiry-based Learning (CILASS) in the Faculties of Arts, Law and Social Sciences.
• The development of professional skills in speech and language therapy students, with Dr.S. Brumfitt , Sue Baxter and Cheryl Gray, HCS.

Collaborators

• Clinical education group
• CILASS Project Group (Staff in Faculties of Arts, Law and Social Sciences, University of Sheffield)

Selected publications

1. Freeman, M. (2004) Getting Professional Education Online. Chapter 8 in S. Brumfitt (ed) Innovations in Professional Education for Speech and language Therapy. London: Whurr.
2. Freeman, M. & Parker, L. (2004) Blended Learning: Blended Resources – a Collaborative Approach to Supporting Students. In: Proceedings of the Fourth International Networked Learning Conference, Lancaster. Sheffield: Lancaster University and University of Sheffield.
3. Freeman, M. (in press) SLT talk and practice knowledge: a response to Ferguson and Armstrong. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders.
4. Freeman, M. & Allan, B (2003) Comfort, Confidence and Confidentiality: The Experiences of Two e-Learners. TCC2003. The student experience in hybrid and online courses.
5. Freeman, M (2003) Getting online in speech and Language therapy. RCSLT Bulletin. August.
6. Allan, B., Barker, M., Fairbairn, K., Freeman, M & Sutherland, P. (2002) High level student autonomy in a Virtual Learning Environment. In Proceedings of the third international networked learning conference . Sheffield.