Mike McLinden University of Birmingham, UK

Prof. Mike McLinden is based in the School of Education at the University of Birmingham as has over 25 years’ experience of curriculum design, delivery and evaluation. He has a broad interest in professional learning and pedagogy and has been involved in a range of funded pedagogical projects in partnership with colleagues in the sector. This includes Strand Lead (Part Time Learners) for HEA-funded ‘Flexible Pedagogies’ project. Mike’s research interests include developing ‘research-informed’ pedagogical practice with a particular focus on the development of student-centred approaches (including problem/enquiry-based learning). With colleagues at the University, he has led a number of funded projects that link to strategic developments within the institution. Mike's disciplinary professional role is concerned with the inclusion of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. He is co-Director of the Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR) in the Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN), Programme Director for the professional development courses in vision impairment, and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.