Learning a new subject is like exploring a maze, students encounter various obstacles and challenges that can make their journey both exciting or daunting. Now within the maze, there are special keys hidden along the way. These keys are called threshold concepts (roadblocks to “aha” moments). They are not just any keys; they are like magical keys that have the power to unlock doors to new areas of understanding, or “aha” moments within the maze.
When students stumble on a threshold concept and use a magical key to unlock the door, it’s like finding a shortcut or hidden passage that leads to a whole new level of comprehension, an “aha” moment. Suddenly the maze does not seem as complex or intimidating anymore.
A fundamental threshold concept in math is the understanding of Functions and their Graphs. Functions are essential mathematical objects that describe relationships between inputs and outputs. They are foundational to many areas of mathematics and have wide ranging applications in science, engineering, economics and beyond. Once students grasp the concept of functions and their graphs, it unlocks a whole new level of understanding and proficiency in various mathematical topics.
In the social sciences a fundamental threshold concept is perspective taking or understanding multiple perspectives. The concept involves the ability to recognize and appreciate different viewpoints, interpretations and experiences within a given social context. Once students grasp the importance of perspective taking, it transforms their understanding of social phenomenon and their ability to analyze and interpret complex social dynamics. Perspective taking is a crucial threshold in the social sciences for developing critical thinking, cultural competence and making interdisciplinary connections.
VIDEO: What are Threshold Concepts?
LINK TO VIDEO (4:25 minutes):Â From Elon University Center for Engaged Learning, numerous academics share a definition of threshold concepts in their own words.
VIDEO: Threshold ConceptsÂ
LINK TO VIDEO (3:48 minutes): From Ding Learning, a course design agency, this video on threshold concepts is geared to help learning designers navigate the tricky topics in a program of learning.
VIDEO: Challenges Understanding Threshold ConceptsÂ
LINK TO VIDEO (5:20 minutes): Dr. Ray Land, Emeritus professor of Higher Education at Durham University along with other academics talk about the challenges associated with understanding threshold concepts.
VIDEO: Threshold Concepts in Writing
LINK TO VIDEO (5:04 minutes): From the Center for Engaged Learning at Elon University, this video features various academics talking about threshold concepts in writing.
Learn more about threshold concepts on this site:
- Significance of Threshold Concepts in Teaching and Learning
- How to Recognize When Students are Facing Threshold Concepts
- Interventions for Threshold Concepts
- Troublesome Knowledge
- How to Address Troublesome Knowledge in the Classroom
- Instructional Approaches for Helping Students Overcome Troublesome Knowledge Related to Threshold Concepts