Joan Freeman (born Sally Joan Casket, 1935 â 2 July 2023) was a British child psychologist who is known for her work in the lifetime development of gifts and talents.
Freeman earned her BSc in psychology at Manchester University, followed by an advanced diploma in school counselling, an MEd in education and a PhD in educational psychology.
Freeman then taught at Preston Polytechnic / Lancaster University, where she was a senior lecturer. She then became a research associate at Manchester University and later, lecturer at the UCL Institute of Education.
In 2006 the College of Teachers, of which she was senior vice-president, awarded her an Honorary Fellowship. In 2014, Mensa International awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award, she was also awarded the First European Talent Networking Award, for the promotion of Europe-wide co-operation in support of young talented people. She was made an Honorary Patron of the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) in 2006.
She has an elected fellowship with the British Psychological Society, where she has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, she is also a Chartered (Licensed) Psychologist.
Freeman's ongoing aim is to inspire a scientific approach to the study and development of high-level potential, and to develop a dynamic communications network of knowledge and practice around the world.
Freeman's most significant research contribution to the field of child development has been her unique 35-year in-depth UK comparative study of 210 gifted and non-gifted children as they grew to adulthood. This was funded by the Gulbenkian Foundation and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
This groundbreaking research showing the lives of the gifted and talented as normal people with special challenges helped to make positive changes in attitudes to the development of high level potential all over the world. The research was noted for its depth of investigation and scientific set-up, notably with double matched control groups.
Freeman was an advisor on the education of the gifted and talented for about eight years for the UK government and primary witness to the Standing Committee on the education of Highly Able Children. She founded and was President of the Tower Education Group, a think tank of UK experts which reported to the Education Development Trust.
In 1988 Freeman established the European Council for High Ability, bringing cooperation across the West and the Soviet zone. It became a Council of Europe Non-governmental organisation and is now a flourishing worldwide organisation of which she remains founding president and honorary member.http://www.echa.info/honorary-members/90-joan-freeman-founding-president-1987-1992 It publishes the academic journal High Ability Studies, Taylor and Francis, of which she was editor-in-chief; she is now on their international advisory board. http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=editorialBoard&journalCode=chas20 This publication is included in the Social Sciences Citation Index.
Freeman was later a visiting professor at Middlesex University, London and an executive of the European Council for High Ability's European talent support system. She was also a patron of the National Association for Able Children in Education.
From 2007, Freeman ran a private practice in central London for children with gifted potential. At the time it was the only psychology practice in the UK dedicated to this area of child development and attracted parents and children from around the world.
Freeman was a long-serving member of the North West Arts Association in many capacities, including chair of the journal; a director of the Palace Theatre, Manchester; instigator and judge of the Cadbury's National Children's Poetry Exhibition and editorial advisor for its five books of children's poetry published by Arrow Books.
Freeman died on 2 July 2023, at the age of 88.
Freeman published 17 books for scholars and parents, including:
Freeman's books and papers have accumulated hundreds of citations.