Dr D. Theresa Nicholson
Dr D. Theresa Nicholson
Reader (Higher Education and Pedagogy)
My profile
Biography
Academic and professional qualifications
- BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology (University of Lancaster)
- M.LD Master of Landscape Design (Manchester University)
- MA Academic Practice (Manchester Met)
- PhD Engineering Geomorphology (University of Leeds)
Professional Qualifications
- ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring for Managers
- Institute of Quarrying Professional Qualification
- Foundation Certificate in Deaf Studies (CACDP)
Academic service (administration and management)
Principal School Roles
Department EDI Lead
Principal Faculty / University Roles
Faculty Inclusive Learning Communities Lead
Faculty Equality and Diversity Champion
External examiner roles
- Advance HE Registered External Examiner
- External Examiner at University of Keele (2023-26) for BSc Physical Geography and BSc Geography
- External Examiner at Staffordshire University (2017-2022) for BSc Geography, BSc Physical Geography (with Mountain Leadership)
- External Panel Member for programme review at Staffordshire University 2016
Expert reviewing
- AdvanceHE CATE and NTF Awards
- Higher Education Academy, UK (https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/) including STEM
- International Assessment in Higher Education Conference (https://aheconference.com/)
- RIGEO (Review of International Geography Education Online) (http://rigeo.org/)
- Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (http://www.rustaveli.org.ge/en/)
- National Science Foundation (https://www.nsf.gov/)
- Journals (Student Engagement in HE Journal, HE Research and Development, Teaching and Learning Inquiry)
Prizes and awards
- National Teaching Fellow 2020 (Advance HE)
- Nomination* for Teaching Excellence Award, MMU Staff Awards 2021 (*with other members of the Faculty Department Education Leads Team)
- Nomination for Best Teacher Award (Manchester Metropolitan Student Union ‘Teaching Awards’ 2013)
- Marston Prize 2001: Institute of Quarrying (best technical presentation to a branch)
- Ruston Bucyrus Award 1995: Quarry Management (best technical publication)
- Ransomes and Rapier First Prize (1993): Institute of Quarrying (best Quarry Engineering paper in Professional Exam)
- Gillespie-Beaumont Landscape Student Prize 1988: University of Manchester
Membership of professional associations
- Member of the Association of National Teaching Fellows (2020)
- Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) (2017)
- Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) (1991)
- Professional Member of the Institute of Quarrying (MIQ) (1993)
- Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS) (2005)
- Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS) (1986)
- Member of British Society for Geomorphology (1986)
- Member of Liverpool Geological Society (1983)
Languages
Level Two BSL (British Sign Language)
Words of wisdom
Aim for the sky. Be yourself. Don’t let anybody tell you ‘no’.
Teaching
Subjects
Physical Geography (Geomorphology) and Education for Sustainable Development.
Undergraduate courses
I teach primarily on modules that underpin BSc (Hons) Geography and BSc (Hons) Physical Geography
Current teaching includes:
- L4: Professional Geographer
- L4: Earth Surface Processes
- L5: Catchment Hydrology and Geomorphology
- L5: Research Design (Physical Geography)
- L5: Fieldwork and Data Analysis (Physical Geography)
- L6: Geomorphic Hazards
- L6: Dissertation (Education for Sustainable Development, Applied and Pure Geomorphology, Hazards)
- L6: Undergraduate Consultancy
Research outputs
Research expertise
Educational research:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Designing and delivering inclusive curricula in Higher Education, including flexible assessment for inclusion, enhancing accessibility through technology, embedding reasonable adjustments in the curriculum, student engagement and belonging, attentiveness and student success, embedding coaching techniques in personal tutoring, inclusive student partnership, diversity awareness, and inclusive learning for d/Deaf and hard of hearing students.
Active, Innovative Teaching and Assessment: Enquiry-based learning and its synergies with Education for Sustainable Development, creative honours projects in Geography teaching, assessment and peer assessment for learning, technology-enhanced learning (especially the use of online portfolios for employability enhancement), enquiry-based education for sustainable development.
Geomorphology research:
Role of rock weathering in slope instability, rockslope deterioration assessment, rock microweathering rates and processes in cold environments, rock weathering under late-lying snowpatches, ploughing boulder processes, Holocene landform evolution.
Publications listed at: https://1drv.ms/w/s!AlDPwVYtqXpDgk7QY9jvOv87Gunw?e=AXXe7J
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Books (authored/edited/special issues)
Nicholson, D.T., Wheater, C.P. (2013) Public engagement in the GEES disciplines. York: Higher Education Academy.
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Chapters in books
Nicholson, D., Vargas, V. (2021) 'Design principles for assessment of sustainability teaching.' In Baughan, P. (ed.) Assessment and Feedback in a Post-Pandemic Era: a time for learning and inclusion. AdvanceHE, pp. 183-195.
Hill, J., Kneale, P.J., Nicholson, D.T., Waddington, S., Ray, W. (2016) 'Re-framing the Geography dissertation: A consideration of alternative, innovative and creative approaches..' In Haigh, M., Cotton, D., Hall, T. (ed.) Pedagogic Research in Geography Higher Education. London: Routledge,
Millington, S.D., Nicholson, D. (2013) 'Engaging with Schools and Colleges.' In Nicholson, D., Wheater, P. (ed.) Public engagement in the GEES disciplines. Higher Education Academy, pp. 19-23.
Nicholson, D.T. (2013) 'Contributing to curriculum delivery in a sixth form college: Case study 9.' In Nicholson, D.T., Wheater, C.P. (ed.) Public Engagement in the GEES Disciplines: A Good Practice Guide. Higher Education Academy, pp. 22-23.
Nicholson, D.T. (2007) 'Evaluación del riesgo de meteorización progresiva y colapso de los taludes rocosos.' Ingeniería del Terreno. Madrid: pp. 195-244.
Nicholson, D.T. (2004) 'Identification, assessment and mitigation of visual impacts due to quarrying..' In Watkins, M.S., Smith, M.R. (ed.) Environmental Management. Nottingham: Institute of Quarrying, pp. 129-152.
Nicholson, D.T. (2002) 'Quantification and description of rock breakdown for experimental weathering studies.' In Prikryl, R., Viles, H.A. (ed.) Prague: Karolinum Press,
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Media
Nicholson, D., Saunders, F. (2022) Decolonising the STEM Curriculum Online Toolkit.
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Internet publications
Nicholson, D., Herrero, M.D.C. (2024) Creating Momentum Around Transformative Active Learning. https://altc.alt.ac.uk/blog/2024/02/creating-momentum-around-transformative-active-learning/.
Nicholson, D.T. (2022) Lived experiences of BAME students uncovered through reflective diaries: case study. https://heawardgap.org.uk/lived-experiences-of-bame-students/.
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Journal articles
Price, E., Nicholson, D.T., Dunk, R., Lawler, C., Carney, M., Ruiz Vargas, V., Veitch, S., Leigh, S., Singleton, M., Mottram, S. (2024) 'Enabling change agents for sustainable development: a whole-institution approach to embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education.' International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education,
Nicholson, T., Vargas, V.R., Price, E.A.C., Himatlal, K., Campen, L., Hartley, M., Hewitt, T. (2024) 'Transformative learning design for ESD in a skills-based module.' Open Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 3(1) pp. 21-36.
Nicholson, D.T., Ruiz Vargas, V., Skelly, G. (2023) 'Enquiry-based skills education for sustainable development in a UK Geography module as a catalyst for organisational change.' International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 24(8) pp. 1897-1914.
Randles, S., Dewick, P., Hannan, E., Nicholson, D.T., Rietbergen, M., Taylor, C., Vargas, V., Wadham, H., Withycombe Keeler, L. (2022) 'Applying Enquiry and Problem Based earning to Mission-oriented Innovation Policy: From Policy to Pedagogy to Teaching and Learning Practice.' Journal of International Education in Business, 15(1) pp. 52-73.
Nicholson, D.T. (2018) 'Enhancing student engagement through online portfolio assessment.' Practitioner Research in Higher Education, 11(1) pp. 15-31.
Nicholson, D.T. (2015) 'Manchester Metropolitan University promotes the major benefits of an inclusive curriculum.' Business Disability Forum Newsletter, (Nov)
Moore-Cherry, N., Healey, R., Nicholson, D.T., Andrews, W. (2015) 'Inclusive partnership: enhancing student engagement in geography.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 40(1) pp. 84-103.
Nicholson, D.T. (2012) 'Editorial: Themed issue 'Equality and Diversity in Learning and Teaching'..' Learning and Teaching in Action, 9(1) pp. 1-3.
Nicholson, D.T., Lewin, R., Shabbir, N., Botham, K. (2012) 'Putting inclusion into practice: Designing out Personal Learning Plans for students with mild to moderate dyslexia.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 9(1) pp. 26-42.
Patel, M., Nicholson, D.T. (2012) 'The MMU Single Equality Scheme (SES).' Learning and Teaching in Action, 9(1) pp. 6-14.
Gawne, M., Nicholson, D.T. (2012) 'Inclusive curriculum design and delivery: A university-wide task and finish group.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 9(1) pp. 79-81.
Nicholson, D.T. (2011) 'Embedding Research in a Field-based Module through Peer Review and Assessment for Learning.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 35(4) pp. 529-549.
Hill, J., Kneale, P., Nicholson, D., Waddington, S., Ray, W. (2011) 'Re-framing the geography dissertation: A consideration of alternative, innovative and creative approaches.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 35(3) pp. 331-349.
Nicholson, D.T., Harrison, M.E., Whalley, W.B. (2010) 'Assessment criteria and standards of the Geography Dissertation in the UK.' Planet, 23(1) pp. 18-24.
Nicholson, D.T. (2010) 'Enhancing teaching-research links through active field-based learning and peer review.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 8(2)
Nicholson, D.T. (2009) 'Holocene microweathering rates and processes on ice-eroded bedrock, Røldal area, Hardangervidda, southern Norway.' Geological Society Special Publications, 320pp. 29-49.
Nicholson, D.T. (2008) 'Rock control on microweathering of bedrock surfaces in a periglacial environment.' Geomorphology, 101(4) pp. 655-665.
Nicholson, D.T. (2008) 'Inclusive learning and teaching practice: Feedback from d/Deaf and hard of hearing students.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 7(2) pp. 34-43.
Nicholson, D.T., Langan, A.M. (2007) 'Feedback and student retention.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 6(3) pp. 44-50.
Nicholson, D.T. (2007) 'Ensuring success for d/Deaf and hard of hearing students at MMU.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 6(3) pp. 29-37.
Nicholson, D.T. (2005) 'The student experience.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 4(1) pp. 50-58.
Nicholson, D.T. (2004) 'Hazard assessment for progressive, weathering-related breakdown of excavated rockslopes.' Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 37(4) pp. 327-346.
Nicholson, D.T. (2004) 'Designing flexible learning materials: Report on the April 29 th 2004 workshop led by Professor Phil Race.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 3(2) pp. 46-48.
Nicholson, D.T. (2003) 'Breakdown mechanisms and morphology for man-made rockslopes in North West England.' North West Geography, 3(1) pp. 12-26.
Nicholson, D. (2002) 'Optimal use of MS PowerPoint for teaching in the GEES disciplines.' Planet, (7) pp. 7-9.
Nicholson, D.T. (2002) 'Identification of deterioration hazard potential for quarried rock slopes.' Quarry Management, 29(1) pp. 43-49.
Nicholson, D.T. (2002) 'Lecture delivery using MS PowerPoint: Staff and student perspectives at MMU.' Learning and Teaching in Action, 1(2) pp. 42-48.
Nicholson, D.T. (2001) 'Pore properties as indicators of breakdown mechanisms in experimentally weathered limestones.' Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 26(8) pp. 819-838.
Nicholson, D.T., Nicholson, F.H. (2000) 'Physical deterioration of sedimentary rocks subjected to experimental freeze-thaw weathering.' Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 25(12) pp. 1295-1307.
Nicholson, D.T. (1995) 'The visual impact of quarrying.' Quarry Management, 22(7) pp. 39-42.
Nicholson, D.T. (1991) 'Profile: minerals and waste planning in Cheshire.' Mineral Planning, 49pp. 30-32.
Wager, J.F., Nicholson, D.T. (1990) 'A regional forest park for the North West.' Town and Country Planning, 59(4) pp. 107-110.
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Non-peer reviewed articles / reviews
Nicholson, D.T. (2002) The role of geology education in quarrying and mining.
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Conference papers
Occhio, A., Saunders, F.C., Chikwa, G., Nicholson, D. (2023) 'Amplifying new voices and making space for alternative knowledge systems in engineering curricula – the example of Ubuntu.' In 51st Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI 23). Technological University Dublin, 11/9/2023 - 14/9/2023. ARROW@TU Dublin,
Nicholson, D., Saunders, F., Jones, D., Greenwood, A. (2022) 'Decolonising higher education curricula: Authentic guiding narratives from academic and learner communities.' In European Conference of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Manchester Metropolitan University, 15/6/2022 - 17/6/2022. pp. 137-148.
Nicholson, D.T., Nicholson, F.H. (2005) 'Post-glacial weathering form and process in a periglacial environment, Hardanger Plateau, southern Norway.' In Shifting Lands: New Insights into Periglacial Geomorphology. Clermont-Ferrand, 20/1/2005 - 22/1/2005. Etienne, E. (ed.) Clermont-Ferrand: Géoenvironnement, Séteun, Clermont-Ferrand, pp. 33-34.
Nicholson, D.T. (2003) 'Assessment of excavated rockslope hazard due to progressive, weathering-related deterioration.' 5.
Nicholson, D.T. (2001) 'Quantification and description of rock breakdown for experimental weathering studies.' 45.
Nicholson, D.T. (2001) 'Computer-aided assessment as a holistic learning tool in geoscience.' 2/7/2001 - 3/7/2001. Danson, M., Eabry, C. (ed.) Loughborough University, pp. 359-369.
Nicholson, D.T., Lumsden, A.C., Hencher, S.R. (2000) 'Excavation-induced deterioration of rockslopes.' In Landslides in Research, Theory and Practice. 3. Cardiff, 26/6/2000 - 30/6/2000. Bromhead, E., Dixon, N., Ibsen, M.L. (ed.) London: Thomas Telford, pp. 1105-1110.
Nicholson, D.T., Hencher, S. (1997) 'Assessing the potential for deterioration of engineered rockslopes.' pp. 911-917.
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Presentations
Nicholson, D.T., Walsh, P., Prowse, A. (2017) A coaching approach to student support through personal tutoring. [Presentation] Manchester Metropolitan University,3/11/2017.
Nicholson, D.T. (2017) Engaging students in partnership to develop inclusive curricula. [Presentation] University of Manchester,6/7/2017.
Nicholson, D.T. (2017) Enhancing digital literacy and employability through online portfolio-building. [Presentation] University of Manchester,6/7/2017.
Nicholson, D.T., Botham, K. (2017) Embedding Reasonable Adjustments in the Curriculum (ERAC): A Faculty-wide approach to inclusive teaching. [Presentation] University of Manchester,5/7/2017.
Nicholson, D.T., Botham, K. (2017) Diversity Dash! Game-based exploration of student diversity and inclusive curricula. [Presentation] University of Manchester,5/7/2017.
Nicholson, D.T. (2017) Enhancing digital literacy and employability through portfolio assessment. [Presentation] Manchester,28/6/2017.
Nicholson, D.T. (2016) Student Engagement, Belonging and Confidence: Preliminary findings from a CELT-funded SoTL project.. [Presentation] Manchester Metropolitan University,17/6/2016.
Sweasey, P., Nicholson, D.T. (2014) Designing an inclusive Higher education curriculum and enhancing student experience. [Presentation] London, Royal College of Physicians, London,27/3/2014.
Lewin, R., Nicholson, D.T., Botham, K., Shabbir, N. (2012) Inclusive learning and teaching for students with dyslexia. [Presentation] Oxford,26/6/2012.
Nicholson, D.T., Harrison, M., Whalley, W.B. (2011) The Undergraduate Geography Dissertation: Supporting it Better. [Presentation] Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham,30/6/2011.
Nicholson, D.T. (2011) Putting Inclusion into Practice: Designing Out Personal Learning Plans. Equal? Diverse? Accessible?. [Presentation] Manchester Metropolitan University,28/6/2011.
Nicholson, D.T., Harrison, M. (2009) Standards, criteria and assessment of the Geography Dissertation in the UK. [Presentation] Manchester University,22/6/2009.
Nicholson, D.T., Harrison, M., Whalley, W.B. (2009) Geography undergraduate dissertations in the UK: A review of assessment schemes and procedures. [Presentation] Aston University,5/3/2009.
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Theses and dissertations
Nicholson, D.T. (2010) Learning, Teaching and Assessment Experiences of d/Deaf Students in Higher Education.
Nicholson, D.T. (2001) Deterioration of Excavated rockslopes: Mechanisms, Morphology and Assessment.
Nicholson, D.T. (1989) The Role of Landscape Design in the Limestone Quarrying Industry - With Special Reference to the Mitigation of Environmental Impacts.
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Posters
Nicholson, D.T. (2009) 'Boulder weathering processes at the margins of perennial snowpatches.' [Poster] In British Society for Geomorphology Annual Conference. University of Durham. Date viewed 7/9/2009.
Nicholson, D.T. (2007) 'Ensuring success for d/Deaf and hard of hearing students: The learning environment.' [Poster] In Ensuring Student Success Conference. Manchester. Date viewed 11/9/2007.
Nicholson, D.T., Nicholson, F.H., Webber, E. (2004) 'Micro-weathering processes, rates and morphology: Evidence from a high mountain plateau.' [Poster] In Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium. Kentucky. Date viewed 1/10/2004.
Nicholson, D.T., Nicholson, F.H., Booth, F., Wildman, J.J. (2004) 'Post-glacial weathering and blockstream development in a periglacial environment, Hardangervidda, southern Norway.' [Poster] In Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium. Kentucky. Date viewed 1/10/2004.
Nicholson, D.T., Hencher, S.R. (1996) 'Deterioration of quarried rockslopes in engineering time.' [Poster] In Applied Geoscience Symposium, University of Warwick. Warwick. Date viewed 9/4/1996.
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Other
Nicholson, D. (2021) Integrating Flexible Assessment for Inclusion.
Nicholson, D.T. (2018) Frequent rapid feedback, feed-forward, and peer learning, for enhancing student engagement in online portfolio assessment (Webinar).
HEA Scotland, , Nicholson, D.T. (2013) Embedding Equality and Diversity in the Curriculum Programme: Newsletter.
Nicholson, D.T. (2003) Encyclopedia of Geomorphology.
Career history
2000-2001
Earth and Environment Faculty, University of Leeds: Senior Project Officer (C and IT in the Curriculum Project)
1995-2000
School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds: Various roles including Research Assistant (Teaching), Senior Project Assistant, Temporary Lecturer, Demonstrating and Tutorial Assistant
1997
School of Biological and Earth Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University: Lecturer (short-term contract)
1995-1997
Freelance Geoscience Consultant
1992-1995
Wardell Armstrong: Senior Environmental Scientist (Landscape)
1991-1992
Planning and Landscape Division, St Helens MBC: Senior Landscape Architect
1990-1991
Planning Department, Cheshire County Council: Planning Officer (Minerals)
1988-1990
Cobham Resource Consultants: Environmental Consultant
1987
Donaldson Edwards Partnership: Landscape Assistant