Personal statement

David is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography. He is a fluvial geomorphologist with interests in lowland river flooding, river restoration and urban river regeneration. David is also actively involved in pedagogic research with a focus on problem-based learning and experiential learning.

He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship (Advance HE) in 2020, in recognition for his innovative teaching of geographical research methods and peer-led teaching and learning on international fieldwork.

Academic qualifications

  • PhD – University of Exeter
  • BSc – Aberystwyth University

Professional memberships

  • Senior Fellow – Higher Education Academy

Awards

  • National Teaching Fellow (NTF) – Advance HE (2020)

Research and academic outputs

Go to ResearchSPAce

Book chapters or sections

Exploring the geographical palimpsest of place through fieldwork
Book chapters or section

Marvell, A, Simm, D, Clark, C and Thompson, K (2023) 'Exploring the geographical palimpsest of place through fieldwork.' In: Rawlings Smith, E and Pike, S, eds. Encountering ideas of place in education: scholarship and practice in place-based learning. Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 253-265. ISBN 9781032471426

Fieldwork (in tourism)
Book chapters or section

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2022) 'Fieldwork (in tourism).' In: Buhalis, D, ed. Encyclopedia of tourism management and marketing. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham. ISBN 9781800377479

Integrating assessment effectively into international fieldwork: a case study using student-led teaching and learning
Book chapters or section

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2022) 'Integrating assessment effectively into international fieldwork: a case study using student-led teaching and learning.' In: Bourke, T, Mills, R and Lane, R, eds. Assessment in geographical education: an international perspective. Springer, Cham, pp. 101-155. ISBN 9783030951382

Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: using innovative pedagogies to develop emotional intelligence and resilience
Book chapters or section

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2021) 'Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: using innovative pedagogies to develop emotional intelligence and resilience.' In: Wessell, J.E, ed. Experiential learning in geography: experience, evaluation, and encounters. Springer, Cham, pp. 57-75. ISBN 9783030820862

Using focus group research to support teaching and learning
Book chapters or section

Winlow, H, Simm, D, Marvell, A and Schaaf, R (2016) 'Using focus group research to support teaching and learning.' In: Haigh, M, Cotton, D and Hall, T, eds. Pedagogic research in geography higher education. Routledge, London, pp. 100-111. ISBN 9781138962088

Bridging the gap between foundation degrees and honours degrees
Book chapters or section

Simm, D (2013) 'Bridging the gap between foundation degrees and honours degrees.' In: Tate, S and Hopkins, P, eds. Re-thinking undergraduate students' transitions to, through and out of university: examples of good practice in GEES disciplines. Higher Education Academy, York, pp. 17-18. ISBN 9781907207945

Peer mentoring for semi-independent overseas fieldwork
Book chapters or section

Simm, D (2013) 'Peer mentoring for semi-independent overseas fieldwork.' In: Tate, S and Hopkins, P, eds. Re-thinking undergraduate students' transitions to, through and out of university: examples of good practice in GEES disciplines. Higher Education Academy, York, p. 17. ISBN 9781907207945

Supporting independent fieldwork in developing countries
Book chapters or section

Simm, D (2008) 'Supporting independent fieldwork in developing countries.' In: Maskall, J and Stokes, A, eds. Designing effective fieldwork for the environmental and natural sciences. GEES Subject Centre learning and teaching guide . Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth. ISBN 9781841022017

Enhancing the supervision of overseas fieldwork using student feedback
Book chapters or section

Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Cooper, D (2007) 'Enhancing the supervision of overseas fieldwork using student feedback.' In: Them and us. HEA-GEES, Plymouth, p. 9.

The rates and patterns of overbank deposition on a lowland floodplain
Book chapters or section

Simm, D (1995) 'The rates and patterns of overbank deposition on a lowland floodplain.' In: Foster, I, Gurnell, A and Webb, B, eds. Sediment and water quality in river catchments. Wiley, Chichester, pp. 247-264. ISBN 9780471957287

Articles

Landscape detectives: developing a palimpsest approach to fieldwork
Article

Simm, D, Freeman, D and Marvell, A (2024) 'Landscape detectives: developing a palimpsest approach to fieldwork.' Geography, 109 (2). pp. 88-98. ISSN 0016-7487

Teaching “wicked” problems in geography
Article

Simm, D, Marvell, A and Mellor, A (2021) 'Teaching “wicked” problems in geography.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 45 (4). pp. 479-490. ISSN 0309-8265

Emotional geographies experienced during international fieldwork: an evaluation of teaching and learning strategies for reflective assessment
Article

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2018) 'Emotional geographies experienced during international fieldwork: an evaluation of teaching and learning strategies for reflective assessment.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 42 (4). pp. 515-530. ISSN 0309-8265

Creating global students: opportunities, challenges and experiences of internationalizing the Geography curriculum in Higher Education
Article

Simm, D and Marvell, A (2017) 'Creating global students: opportunities, challenges and experiences of internationalizing the Geography curriculum in Higher Education.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 41 (4). pp. 467-474. ISSN 0309-8265

Unravelling the geographical palimpsest through fieldwork: discovering a sense of place
Article

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2016) 'Unravelling the geographical palimpsest through fieldwork: discovering a sense of place.' Geography, 101 (3). pp. 125-136. ISSN 0016-7487

Borderland spaces for learning partnership: opportunities, benefits and challenges
Article

Hill, J, Thomas, G, Diaz, A and Simm, D (2016) 'Borderland spaces for learning partnership: opportunities, benefits and challenges.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 40 (3). pp. 375-393. ISSN 0309-8265

Gaining a “sense of place”: students’ affective experiences of place leading to transformative learning on international fieldwork
Article

Simm, D and Marvell, A (2015) 'Gaining a “sense of place”: students’ affective experiences of place leading to transformative learning on international fieldwork.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 39 (4). pp. 595-616. ISSN 0309-8265

Students as scholars: evaluating student-led learning and teaching during fieldwork
Article

Simm, D, Schaaf, R, Marvell, A and Harper, R (2013) 'Students as scholars: evaluating student-led learning and teaching during fieldwork.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 37 (4). pp. 547-566. ISSN 0309-8265

Foundation degrees in Geography and Tourism: a critical reflection on student experiences and the implications for undergraduate degree courses
Article

Winlow, H, Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2012) 'Foundation degrees in Geography and Tourism: a critical reflection on student experiences and the implications for undergraduate degree courses.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 36 (4). pp. 563-583. ISSN 0309-8265

Using focus group research to support teaching and learning
Article

Winlow, H, Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2012) 'Using focus group research to support teaching and learning.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 37 (2). pp. 292-303. ISSN 0309-8265

Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education
Article

Winlow, H, Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2011) 'Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education.' Planet, 24. pp. 2-9. ISSN 1473-1835

Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork
Article

Simm, D and Schaaf, R (2011) 'Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork.' Planet, 24. pp. 30-36. ISSN 1473-1835

Boring, boring geomorphology? The need for Higher Education to engage with schools and Further Education
Article

Simm, D (2008) 'Boring, boring geomorphology? The need for Higher Education to engage with schools and Further Education.' Geophemera, 102. pp. 6-10.

Extended work-related placements in developing countries: supporting remote learning and assessment
Article

Winlow, H, Simm, D and Haslett, S.K (2007) 'Extended work-related placements in developing countries: supporting remote learning and assessment.' Planet, 18 (1). pp. 28-32. ISSN 1758-3608

Experiential learning - assessing process and product
Article

Simm, D (2005) 'Experiential learning - assessing process and product.' Planet, 15. pp. 16-19. ISSN 1473-1835

Going global? Long-haul fieldwork in undergraduate geography
Article

Simm, D and McGuinness, M (2005) 'Going global? Long-haul fieldwork in undergraduate geography.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 29 (2). pp. 241-253. ISSN 1466-1845

Crisis resolution of student-led research projects at distant localities
Article

Simm, D and McGuinness, M (2004) 'Crisis resolution of student-led research projects at distant localities.' Planet (13). pp. 8-11. ISSN 1473-1835

Linking teaching and research through departmental research conferences for student project work
Article

Simm, D and McGuinness, M (2003) 'Linking teaching and research through departmental research conferences for student project work.' Planet (11). pp. 21-24. ISSN 1473-1835

Effective teaching of research design in physical geography: a case study
Article

Simm, D and David, C (2002) 'Effective teaching of research design in physical geography: a case study.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 26 (2). pp. 169-180. ISSN 0309-8265

Workshop-based teaching of research design
Article

Simm, D and David, C (2002) 'Workshop-based teaching of research design.' Planet, 3. pp. 12-14. ISSN 1473-1835

Using the internet as a teaching tool: Three Gorges Dam, China
Article

Simm, D (2002) 'Using the internet as a teaching tool: Three Gorges Dam, China.' Teaching Geography, 27 (2). pp. 82-86. ISSN 0305-8018

Lateral variability of overbank sedimentation on a Devon flood plain
Article

Simm, D and Walling, D (1998) 'Lateral variability of overbank sedimentation on a Devon flood plain.' Hydrological Sciences Journal, 43 (5). pp. 715-732. ISSN 0262-6667

The potential application of finite element modelling of flood plain inundation to predict patterns of overbank deposition
Article

Simm, D, Walling, D, Bates, P and Anderson, M (1997) 'The potential application of finite element modelling of flood plain inundation to predict patterns of overbank deposition.' Hydrological Sciences Journal, 42 (6). pp. 859-875. ISSN 0262-6667

Modelling floodplain flows using a two-dimensional finite element model
Article

Simm, D, Bates, P, Anderson, M, Baird, L and Walling, D (1992) 'Modelling floodplain flows using a two-dimensional finite element model.' Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 17 (6). pp. 575-588. ISSN 1096-9837

Conference or workshop items

Making connections using a palimpsest approach to learning
Conference or workshop item

Freeman, D, Simm, D and Marvell, A (2025) Making connections using a palimpsest approach to learning. In: Geographical Association Annual Conference and Exhibition, 15 - 17 April 2025, Oxford Brooks University, Oxford, UK. (Forthcoming)

Expressions of solidarity: student responses during experiential enquiry-based fieldwork
Conference or workshop item

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2024) Expressions of solidarity: student responses during experiential enquiry-based fieldwork. In: 35th International Geographical Congress, 24 - 30 August 2024, Dublin, Ireland.

Education, solidarity and engagement: the role of emotions in fieldwork educational experiences
Conference or workshop item

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2023) Education, solidarity and engagement: the role of emotions in fieldwork educational experiences. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 29 August - 1 September 2023, Kensington Gore, London, UK.

Promoting education, solidarity and engagement through international fieldwork: facilitating emotional responses to enhance transformative learning
Conference or workshop item

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2023) Promoting education, solidarity and engagement through international fieldwork: facilitating emotional responses to enhance transformative learning. In: XX ISA World Congress of Sociology, 25 June - 1 July 2023, Melbourne, Australia.

Education, emotions and place: developing learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork
Conference or workshop item

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2023) Education, emotions and place: developing learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork. In: 19th Circle International Conference: Emerging Trends in Transnational Education, 13 - 14 April 2023, Cricklewood, London, UK.

The emotional geographies of place: developing innovative learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork
Conference or workshop item

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2021) The emotional geographies of place: developing innovative learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork. In: Danish Network for Educational Development in Higher Education Special Interest Group on Laboratory and Fieldwork - Competence Development from Lab Work and Fieldwork, 8 March 2021, University of Copenhagen, Denmark [online].

Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: developing emotional intelligence and resilience to support innovative pedagogies
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D and Marvell, A (2019) Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: developing emotional intelligence and resilience to support innovative pedagogies. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 28 - 30 August 2019, Royal Geographical Society, London, UK.

Emotional geographies of fieldwork: developing learning and teaching strategies.
Conference or workshop item

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2019) Emotional geographies of fieldwork: developing learning and teaching strategies. In: Geographical Association Annual Conference, 11 April 2019, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Communities of/for learning: enhancing student engagement in changing HE environments
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D and Marvell, A (2018) Communities of/for learning: enhancing student engagement in changing HE environments. In: RGS-IBG Annual Conference 2018, 28 - 31 August 2018, Cardiff University, UK.

The emotional geographies of place: developing effective learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D and Marvell, A (2017) The emotional geographies of place: developing effective learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 29 August - 1 September 2017, London.

Understanding emotional geographies experienced during international fieldwork leading to effective learning and teaching strategies
Conference or workshop item

Marvell, A and Simm, D (2016) Understanding emotional geographies experienced during international fieldwork leading to effective learning and teaching strategies. In: JGHE: Celebration of Learning and Teaching in HE Geography, 15 December 2016, Royal Geographical Society, London, UK.

Applying pedagogies to wicked problems in geography
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D and Marvell, A (2016) Applying pedagogies to wicked problems in geography. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 30 August - 2 September 2016, Royal Geographical Society, London, UK.

Making sense of place: unravelling the geographical palimpsest of Barcelona
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D and Marvell, A (2015) Making sense of place: unravelling the geographical palimpsest of Barcelona. In: Royal Geographical Society, West of England & South Wales Regional Branch talk series, 17 February 2015, University of South Wales, UK.

Developing the research-teaching nexus using a local fieldwork project
Conference or workshop item

Johnson, R.M, Simm, D, Edwards, E and Skellern, A (2014) Developing the research-teaching nexus using a local fieldwork project. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 26 - 29 August 2014, Kensington Gore, London.

Student-led learning and teaching on international fieldtrips
Conference or workshop item

Marvell, A, Simm, D and Schaaf, R (2014) Student-led learning and teaching on international fieldtrips. In: Geographical Association Annual Conference, 14 - 16 April 2014, University of Surrey.

Student peer mentoring and new staff
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D (2011) Student peer mentoring and new staff. In: GEES Early Career Lecturers Workshop, 24 May 2011, Department of Geography and Development Studies, University of Chester.

Student-led learning and engagement with place on international fieldwork
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2011) Student-led learning and engagement with place on international fieldwork. In: GEES Subject Centre Conference 2011: Teaching and Learning for GEES Students, 1 July 2011, Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham.

Evaluating student-led learning and engagement with place on international fieldwork
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2011) Evaluating student-led learning and engagement with place on international fieldwork. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 31 August - 2 September 2011, Kensington Gore, London, UK.

Engaging students: revisiting the use of student writing for subject newsletters
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Chaffey, N (2011) Engaging students: revisiting the use of student writing for subject newsletters. In: HEA/GEES Subject Centre Conference, 30 June - 1 July 2011, Birmingham.

Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education
Conference or workshop item

Winlow, H, Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2010) Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education. In: GEES Subject Centre 10th Anniversary Conference - “GEES Learning and Teaching to 2020”, 9 July 2010, University of Plymouth.

Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D and Schaaf, R (2010) Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork. In: GEES Subject Centre 10th Anniversary Conference - “GEES Learning and Teaching to 2020”, 8 July 2010, University of Plymouth.

Using student peer mentoring to promote retention on a foundation degree embedded in the undergraduate degree structure at a HE institution
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D (2007) Using student peer mentoring to promote retention on a foundation degree embedded in the undergraduate degree structure at a HE institution. In: GEES Subject Centre Residential Conference: Recruitment and retention in the GEES disciplines, 25 - 26 June 2007, Holiday Inn City Centre, Birmingham.

Home and away: integrating research and teaching through local and overseas fieldwork
Conference or workshop item

Simm, D and McGuinness, M (2006) Home and away: integrating research and teaching through local and overseas fieldwork. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, September 2006, London.

Theses

The deposition and storage of suspended sediment in contemporary floodplain systems: a case study of the River Culm, Devon
Thesis

Simm, D (1993) The deposition and storage of suspended sediment in contemporary floodplain systems: a case study of the River Culm, Devon. PhD thesis, University of Exeter.

Other items

Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: resources to support geographical teaching and learning in higher education [online]
Other item

Simm, D and Marvell, A (2019) Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: resources to support geographical teaching and learning in higher education [online]. Royal Geographical Society.

Charlton, R. 2008: Fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology [book review]
Other item

Simm, D (2008) Charlton, R. 2008: Fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology [book review]. Progress in Physical Geography, 32 (3). pp. 347-349. ISSN 0309-1333