4.1.2

Threshold Concepts

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Threshold Concepts

Threshold concepts act to help students access the next stage of learning as well as reconfiguring their prior learning.

Threshold concepts

Threshold concepts

  • Threshold concepts act as a gateway to more knowledge and understanding and help to form stronger schematic frameworks.
  • In physics, centre of gravity is a key concept, but it is not a threshold concept.
  • The concept of gravity itself is a threshold concept as it transforms our understanding.
Transformative

Transformative

  • Threshold concepts are transformative in that they result in a significant shift in students’ thinking.
  • For example, in English, once exposed to the threshold concept of narrative structure, plays, stories, novels or even TV shows and films may take on new meaning.
Irreversible

Irreversible

  • Threshold concepts are also irreversible. Once learned they are unlikely to be unlearned.
  • They may still be modified or rejected if they are met with refined or rival conceptual understanding.
  • For example, The concept of photosynthesis is often modified throughout a students’ primary and secondary education.
Questions to ask yourself

Questions to ask yourself

  • What are the threshold concepts of your curriculum?
  • How will these be returned to and reinforced?
  • How will you close the knowledge gaps for students who have not grasped these concepts?
  • How can your understanding of the threshold concepts in your curriculum help to identify and address ‘bottlenecks’ in learning?
Jump to other topics
1

Introduction

1.1

Introduction

1.1.1Shaping the Curriculum
2

Curriculum Rationale

2.1

Curriculum Rationale

2.1.1The Role of Subject Leaders2.1.2Curriculum Rationale
3

Curriculum Knowledge

3.1

Curriculum Knowledge

3.1.1Core Knowledge3.1.2Hinterland Knowledge3.1.3Substantive Knowledge3.1.4Disciplinary Knowledge3.1.5Declarative & Procedural Knowledge
4

Curriculum Sequencing

4.1

Curriculum Sequencing

4.1.1Cognitive Load Theory4.1.2Threshold Concepts
5

Assessment

5.1

Assessment

5.1.1Meaningful Assessment
6

Instruments of the Curriculum

6.1

Instruments of the Curriculum

6.1.1Instruments of the Curriculum

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Cognitive Load Theory

Meaningful Assessment