Adrian Simpson

Adrian Simpson is a Professor at Durham University and Principal of St. Mary's College within the School of Education. He holds editorial roles in journals like Research in Mathematics Education and has served as an external examiner and doctoral supervisor across multiple institutions. His research focuses on the transition from school to university mathematics, cognitive aspects of mathematical reasoning, and critiques of evidence-based educational policies. He emphasizes the misuse of quantitative methods in education and advocates for nuanced approaches to assessment and policy-making.

His research interests include the cognitive and contextual reasoning in mathematics, patterns of assessment in higher education, and the critical evaluation of effect sizes in policy research. He has published extensively on these topics, questioning the overreliance on standardized metrics and advocating for a more holistic understanding of educational effectiveness.

Adrian has supervised doctoral studies in mathematics education, cognitive reasoning, and policy analysis. His work often bridges theory and practice, addressing both academic and policy-oriented audiences. Key contributions include critiques of regression discontinuity studies and the implications of 'mastery' terminology in educational reforms.

• esteem indicators:
  • Editor of Research in Mathematics Education
  • Keynote speaker at Delta 2013 and RUME 2010
  • External doctoral supervisor at Charles University and University of Grenada
• grants and collaborations:
  • Research on assessment practices in mathematics degrees
  • Critical analysis of educational policy methodologies