Theoretical Considerations: Threshold ConceptsThreshold Concepts and Transformational Learning:...

Peter.G.465

Theoretical Considerations: Threshold Concepts

Threshold Concepts and Transformational Learning: Jan H. F. Meyer, R. Land, C. Baillie (full text)

Threshold Concepts in Practice (Article)

 

Threshold concepts are ideas in student learning that, after grasping it, is transformational for the learner. Characteristics of Threshold Concepts are:

• Irreversible: it permanently changes how you view a topic
• Transformative: once you understand it, your perception of a discipline changes
• Integrative: it reveals connections between different ideas and disciplines
• Troublesome: it is not easy to understand right away
• Bounded: it is specific to a certain discipline

As described by one article, “these characteristics are implicit in those “Aha!” moments we look for when working with students.” Understanding these concepts also christens learners into a series of actions, strategies and practices that are suddenly available to them.

 

Some examples of Threshold concepts include:

• Economics: Opportunity cost
• History: History is a constructed narrative
• Pedagogy: Bloom’s Taxonomy; Zone of Proximal Development

I think the most interesting feature of a Threshold Concept is describing it as “troublesome.” This is an accurate, almost comedic way of describing the cognitive process of furrowing your brow when you encounter an idea that is actually and personally challenging. It reminds me that encountering “troublesome” concepts is an essential activity and we should remind ourselves how important it is to grow on a regular basis.

 

Discuss below:

1. What are some Threshold Concepts that you have encountered in your life?
2. How did it transform your viewpoint, and why would it be difficult to reverse this cognitive change?
3. Are you currently in the “liminal mode” of any threshold concepts?
4. List some Threshold Concepts in Instructional Design.
5. List some other Threshold Concepts you remember from a separate discipline. What about the concept makes it “bounded” to that discipline?

 

Sources:

Book (online, full text):

https://www.lamission.edu/learningcenter/docs/1177-threshold-concepts-and-transformational-learning.pdf

https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/1133-2/

http://historyattallis.weebly.com/threshold-concepts-for-history.html

Karen.McCloskey886

Hi Peter! You got me thinking about when I taught instructional design. The biggest 'aha moment' is usually when learners finally understand the concept of alignment. I would definitely classify it as a threshold concept because once you understand that learning outcomes, activities and assessments need to be tightly woven together, then you understand the underpinning of good instructional design.

Peter.G.465

That's a GREAT example of a Threshold concept, Karen. I vividly remember an "aha" moment when my professor taught me about alignment in my ID courses last year.