Derek France | University of Chester

I am a physical geographer with specialist interests lying in the field of quaternary environmental reconstruction. In recent years my research interests have widened to include a more pedagogic focus, investigating the student learning experience with particular attention on the use and application of mobile technologies to enhance teaching and learning.

I have published widely on the themes of e-learning and fieldwork and has presented numerous papers, keynotes and workshops. I was the director of the Enhance Fieldwork Learning through the evaluation and inclusion of Web 2.0 technologies in fieldwork, a Higher Education Academy NTF Group Project (2010-2012).

I have been an International visiting research fellow in 2010 and 2011 to Massey University, New Zealand and a William Evans visiting Fellow to University of Otago, New Zealand in 2014. I was the former Chair (2006-12) of the Higher Education Research Group (HERG) at the RGS-IBG (with the Institute of British Geographers) and the recipient of the 2013 RGS-IBG Taylor and Francis Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Higher Education Geography.

I am a UK National Teaching Fellow and an Honorary Senior Teaching Fellow of the University of Chester with responsibility for providing leadership in teaching and learning across the University. I completed a PhD at the University of Liverpool and I am a graduate of the University of Wolverhampton (BSc Hons. Applied Science). My professional qualifications include, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).

In 2009 I was awarded a personal chair in Pedagogy in Geographical Sciences. I was a member of the Committee of the Association of National Teaching Fellows (CANTF) in the UK (2009-15) and I am an Associate of the HEA.

I am Co-editor of the international Journal of Geography in Higher Education published by Routledge Taylor & Francis.

I teach on the following modules:

GE4001 – Introduction to Physical Geography
GE4003 – Foundations for Successful Studentship (co-module leader)
GE4006 – People, Hazards and Resources
GE5012 – Environmental Change
GE5013 – Researcher Development with Geomatics
GE6001 – Dissertation
GE6005 – Climate Change: Recent Record and Future Prospects (module leader)
GE6015 – Coastal Dynamics and Management

I am a physical geographer with interests in environmental reconstruction. My current practice and research is centred on enhancing the student learning experience in geography higher education. In recent years my research interests have widened to include a more pedagogic focus on student-staff partnerships as a means of enhancing the student learning experience. I have a particular emphasis on the use and application of mobile technologies to enhance teaching and learning experience. I have published widely on the themes of technology enhanced learning and fieldwork, and have presented numerous papers, keynotes and workshops.

Current Projects

Student authored Story maps in geography assignments ( 2016-) With Richard Treves and Damien Mansell.

Staff-student partnerships (2015-present): Working with Ruth Healey, Katharine Welsh and Alex Lerczak, we are investigating the nature of staff-student partnerships in the Department of Geography and International Development.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) (2013- present): Continuing the success of the ‘Enhancing Fieldwork Learning’ project, the team continue research into student and practitioners perspectives of “Bring Your Own Device” both in a fieldwork and classroom environment.

Twitter as a tool for student engagement during fieldwork (2012-present): Working with Katharine Welsh and Anthony Cliffe, we are investigating the changing role of Twitter as a tool for student engagement in the field.

Enhancing Fieldwork Learning project team (2010-) to explore the potential pedagogic opportunities of incorporating mobile devices into fieldwork teaching. Working with Alice Mauchline, Katharine Welsh, Julian Park and Brian Whalley).

Funding Awarded

2016 - Students as change agents: student-staff partnership in feedback through self and peer assessment £5,000 – (with Healey, R., & Welsh, K.E.).

2015 - Drone/UAV research in the Tabernas Badlands, QR funded research SE. Spain (with Roy Alexander) £5800.

2015 - Module design and development through student-staff partnerships: process, experiences and engagement (Co-Investigator with Ruth Healey and Katharine Welsh) QR funded research £8000.

2015 - Gully asymmetry in the Tabernas badlands, SE Spain. International Research Excellence Awards – Travel grant £660.

2015 - Innovative Pedagogical Practices – Higher Education Academy £6800.

2015 - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – International Practitioner Reflections (with Katherine Welsh) British Ecological Society - £2000.

2014 - William Evans Fellowship, University of Otago, New Zealand £4000.

2013-2018 - Follow-on funding for Enhancing Fieldwork Learning, British Ecological Society. £10000 (with Mauchline, A., Park, J., Whalley, W.B., Welsh, K.E.).

2012 - HEA GEES Consultancy – Future of Fieldwork in the GEES discipline -£1500 (Invited report with Katharine Welsh).

2012 - HEA GEES and HEA Bioscience Transforming Fieldwork workshop funding -£2000 (PI Investigator).

2010 - Higher Education Academy NTF Project Enhancing Fieldwork Learning £200,000- PI Investigator with Julian Park, Katharine Welsh, Brian Whalley and Alice Mauchline).

2009 - Knowledge Transfer Funding (KTP) Expanding the Continuing Professional Development provision for A level practitioners through a blended learning approach in association with the WJEC £10,000 (Co-Investigator with Gill Miller), University of Chester.

2008 - ISC e-learning project ‘Reuse and Repurpose learning materials’ £25,000 (with Carol Comer and Gill Miller)- Co-Investigator.

2008 - 2nd Innovations in Field Teaching Conference, Slapton, Devon. Match funding from HEA GEES Subject Centre and CETL Experiential Learning, Plymouth, £1500 – Principal Investigator.

2008 - Pedagogic Research Project: Enhancing the student experience through the use of online social networks, with particular reference to induction and employability. £10,000 (Co-Investigator with Chris Ribchester), University of Chester.

2008 - HEA/JISC e-learning pathfinder extension project – “Podcasting for Pedagogic Purposes (Co-Investigator with Jethro Newton and Carol Comer) £80,000.

Fuller, I.C. & France, D. (forthcoming 2019/20) Field-based pedagogies for developing learners’ independence in: Walkington, H., Hill, J. L., and Dyer, S. (Eds.) Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Geography. Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, MA, USA: Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN: 9781788116480.

France, D., Mauchline, A., Whalley, B., Doolan M.A., and Bilham, T. (2019) Authentic learning through place-based education, in: Bilham, T.,Hamshire, C., Hartog, M., and Doolan, M. A. (Eds.) Reframing Space for Learning: Excellence and Innovation in University Teaching. UCL IOE Press: Trentham Books. ISBN: 9781782772460.

Healey, R. L., Lerczak, A., Welsh, K., & France, D. (2019). By any other name? The impacts of differing assumptions, expectations, and misconceptions in bringing about resistance to student-staff partnership. International Journal for Students As Partners, 3(1), 106-122.

Higgitt, D., France, D., and Rewhorn, S. (2018) The JGHE@40 Symposium: Introduction, Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 42:4, 479-486.

France, D. and Haigh, M. (2018) Fieldwork@40: fieldwork in geography higher education, Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 42:4, 498-514.

Whalley, W. B., Mauchline, A. L., France, D., Park, J. and Welsh, K. (2018) The iPad six years on: progress and problems for enhancing mobile learning with special reference to fieldwork education. In: Crompton, H. and Traxler, J. (eds.) Mobile learning in higher education: challenges in context. Pp.20-30. Routledge, New York. ISBN 9781138238763.

Whalley, W. B., France, D., Mauchline, A., Welsh, K. E., & Park, J. R. (2016). Every Student use of iPads: A Vade Mecum for Students' Active Learning. In B. F. Baab, J. Bansavich, N. Souleles and F. Loizides (Eds.), Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on the Use of iPads in Higher Education. 43-62.pp Newcastle, United Kingdom: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Hill, J., Walkington, H., and France D. (2016) Graduate attributes: implications for higher education practice and policy, Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 40:2, 155-163.

France, D., Powell, V., Mauchline, A.M. , Welsh, K.E. , Park, J.R. , Whalley, W.B and Rewhorn. S. (2016) Ability of students to recognize the relationship between using mobile apps for learning during fieldwork and the development of graduate attributes, Journal Geography in Higher Education 40(2), 182-192.

Fuller, I.C. & France, D. (2016) Does digital technology enhance student learning in field-based experiments and develop graduate attributes beyond the classroom? Journal of Geography in Higher Education 40(2), 193-206.

Miller, S., France, D., and Welsh, K (2016) Development of Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) activities and an Evaluation of their Impact on Learning: Geoscience students’ perceptions, Belgeo [En ligne], 1 pp1-20.

France, D., Whalley, W. B., Mauchline, A., Powell, V., Welsh, K., Lerczak, A., Park, J., and Bednarz, R. (2015) Enhancing Fieldwork Leaning Using Mobile Technologies. pp.156. Springer Briefs in Ecology series, ISBN 9783319209661.

Welsh, K. E., Mauchline, A. L., Powell, V., France, D., Park J, R., & Whalley, W. B. (2015) Student perceptions of iPads as mobile learning devices for fieldwork, Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 39(3) 450-469, DOI: 10.1080/03098265.2015.1066315.

Fuller, I.C. and France, D. (2015) Securing field learning using a twenty-first century Cook’s Tour. , Journal Geography in Higher Education, 39 (1) p. 158-172.

Fuller, I.C. and France, D. (2014) Fieldwork Going Digital In Thornbush, M. J., Allen, C. D., and Fitzpatrick, F.A. (Eds.) Developments in Earth Surface Processes: Volume 18: Geomorphological Fieldwork. pp. 117-128. Elsevier.

Mauchline, A., France, D. and Jackson, R. (2014) ‘Technology-enhanced learning on an international fieldtrip’ Case study – in Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education: Global Perspectives. Palgrave Teaching and Learning.

Whalley, W.B., France, D., Mauchlne, A., Welsh, K., and Park, J. R. (2015) Ipad use in Fieldwork: formal and informal use to enhance pedagogic practice in a Bring Your Own Technology world In: Souleles, N. and Pillar, C. (eds.) iPad use in fieldwork: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on the use of iPads in higher education (ihe2014). Cambridge Scholars Publishing, pp. 110-125. ISBN 9781443876261.

France, D., Whalley, W. B., & Mauchline, A. (2013) Using Mobile Devices to Enhance Undergraduate Field Research. CUR Quarterly. 34 (2) p. 38-42. Washington, DC: Council on Undergraduate Research.

Welsh, K., Mauchline, A., France, D., Park, J. R., and Whalley, B. (2013) Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with technology: practitioner’s perspectives, Journal Geography in Higher Education, 37 (3) p. 399-415.

Conference papers

‘Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with Mobile Technologies’ at Reframing Learning Spaces, Learning & Teaching Day, UEA, 23rd May 2019- Invited Keynote.

Using Mobile Technologies to Facilitate and Inspire Student Research’ at the UWE Bristol Student Conference, 15 April 2019- Invited Keynote.

“Selling” fieldwork to the administration: A value proposition for undergraduate fieldwork” Poster at the American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., USA, April 3rd – April 7th 2019, (with Terence Day, [Okanagan College, BC, Canada], Ken Foote, University of Connecticut, USA], Derek France, University of Chester, Chester, UK].

“Publishing in Geography Education Journals”, Panel session at The American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., USA, April 3rd – April 7th 2019, (with Robert Bednarz, Texas A&M, Rebecca Theobald, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and Jerry Mitchell, University of South Carolina and Meredith Marsh, Professor, Lindenwood University).

“The Changing Nature of Fieldwork in Geography Higher Education: A 40- year Review” at the American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., USA, April 3rd – April 7th 2019, (with Martin Haigh).

“Web-based mapping of a coastal Sand dune system, Harlech, North Wales, UK.” at Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, USA, April 6th – April 10th 2018, (with Jane Bevan and Addy Pope).

“Publishing in Geography Education Journals”, Panel session at The American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, USA, April 6th – April 10th 2018, (with Robert Bednarz, Texas A&M, Rebecca Theobald, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and Jerry Mitchell, University of South Carolina).

Active fieldwork learning; Going Mobile, University of Aberdeen – Oct 2017 (with Addy Pope, Ersi, UK).

“Learning by Doing: Going Mobile in the Field: Transforming patterns through the scholarship of teaching and learning: The 2nd EuroSoTL conference, June 8-9th 2017, Lund, Sweden (with Julian Park, Alice Mauchline, and Brian Whalley).

“Expert panel member on the Joint Schools and Higher Education session” at the ESRI UK, Annual Conference, May 16th 2017, QEII Conference Centre, London. Invited.

“Doing Geography 1: Teaching with Web Maps in lower division classroom” Panel session at the Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, April 5th – 9th 2017, (with Sarah Goggin [Cypress Hill, Ca], James A. Brey [American Meteorological Society], Derek France [University of Chester], Christopher W. Post [Kent State University], Carol Lynn Campbell [New Mexico State University] and Steven Douglas Moore [Centre for Spatial Studies]).

“Practitioner’s Perspectives of using Bring-Your-Own-Device for Fieldwork” at the Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, April 5th – 9th 2017, (with Katharine Welsh and Alice Mauchline).

“Practitioners’ perspectives of Bring Your Own Device for Fieldwork” at the 6th Annual Enhancing Fieldwork Learning Showcase, University of Reading, September 12-13th 2016.

Social Media and Fieldwork” at Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California, USA, March 29th – April 2nd 2016, (with Katharine Welsh and Alice Mauchline).

“Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with Mobile Technologies” Geological Society of London, HEN Annual Meeting 2016: Sharing Educational Practice in the Geosciences, University of Liverpool, January 11th 2016 Keynote.

“Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with Mobile Technologies” Cornwall College Training Day, Newquay, December 18th 2015 Keynote.

“Bring your own app: Digitial technology to enhance research (an interdisciplinary perspective)” British Ecological Society Annual Meeting, EICC, Edinburgh, December 13th – 16th 2015. Invited (with Addy Pope, Tom Armitage, Brian Whalley and Alice Mauchline).

“Catalyst Sessions” at the National Teaching Fellows Briefing Event. Hilton Liverpool, October 15nd 2015. Keynote (with Caroline Stainton & Kirsten Hardie).

“Experiences and value of an NTF” at the National Teaching Fellowship Association of National Teaching Fellows NTF workshop: Excellence in Learning and Teaching: Disciplinary Perspectives. Hilton Southampton, October 2nd 2015. Invited.

“Towards Publishing” at the Association of National Teaching Fellows Writing Retreat workshop, MacDonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham, July 28th 2015, Invited (with Peter Draper).

“Experiences and value of securing an NTF” at the Association of National Teaching Fellows NTF workshop, MacDonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham, July 13th 2015. Invited.

“Mobile Devices and Fieldwork” Association of National Teaching Fellows 10th Annual Symposium, Macdonald Burlington Hotel Birmingham, March 30th – 31st 2015. Invited

“Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with Mobile Devices” School of Science and the Environment Seminar, Manchester Metropolitan University, February 3rd, 2015 Invited.

Using Digital Technologies in the Field” at the BES and SFE Joint Annual Meeting,
Lille, France, 9th – 12th December 2014, (with Karen Devine, Alice Mauchline and Sarah Taylor - Invited).

”Employing Mobile Devices on Student Fieldwork to Foster the Development of Graduate Attributes” ISSOTL Conference 2014: Quebec City, Canada, Oct 22nd – 25th 2014 (with Victoria Powell, Alice Mauchline, Katharine Welsh, Julian Park & Brian Whalley.

“Evaluation of the Development of Geoscience Students Risk and Crisis Communication (CERC) Skills. RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, London, August 29th – 31st 2014. (with Servel Miller).

“Using Mobile Devices to Enhance Fieldwork Learning” Institute of Australian Geographers/New Zealand Geography Society (IAG/NZGS) University of Melbourne, Australia, June 30th to July 2nd 2014 (with Alice Mauchline, Julian Park, Victoria Powell, Katharine Welsh and Brian Whalley).

“Using Mobile Devices to Enhance Student Engagement and Foster the Development of Graduate Attribute” ’Higher Education Development Centre Seminar, University of Otago, New Zealand, June 25th 2014. Invited.

“Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with Mobile Technologies” Geography Seminar Series, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, June 10th 2014, Invited.

“Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with Mobile Technologies” School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Geography, Environment and Development Studies Seminar Series, Victoria University Wellington, New Zealand, June 5th 2014, Invited.

“Enhancing Fieldwork Practice with Mobile Technologies” Institute of Agriculture & Environment, Physical Geography Seminar Series, Massey University, New Zealand, June 4th 2014, Invited.

“Technology Enhanced Learning” Electronic Media, Health & Wellbeing Research Group Seminar, University of Otago, New Zealand, May 22nd 2014.

“Using Mobile Technologies to Enhance Fieldwork Practice”, Department of Geography Seminar Series, University of Otago, May 21st 2014. Invited.

“Ipad use in Fieldwork: formal and informal use to enhance pedagogic practice in a Bring Your Own Technology world” 1st International Conference on the use of iPads in Higher Education, Cyprus, March 2014 (with Brian Whalley*, Derek France, Alice Mauchline, Julian Park, Victoria Powell, and Katharine Welsh).

“Benefits and Challenges of Using Mobile Technologies on International Field courses ” Association of American Geographers, Tampa, Florida, USA (April 2014) (with Alice Mauchline, Julian Park, Victoria Powell, Katharine Welsh, Brian Whalley and Robert Jackson).

“Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with Mobile Technologies” Keynote at Faculty of Humanities Teaching and Learning Showcase, The University of Manchester, January 14th 2015.

BSc (Wolverhampton)
PhD (Liverpool)

Professional affiliations

Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS)
Co-editor of the Journal of Geography in Higher Education
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
National Teaching Fellow (NTF)
International Network for Learning and Teaching Geography in Higher Education (INLT)

Prof Derek France