Threshold Concepts & Troublesome Knowledge

What we think we know intuitively, might in fact be a limitation on knowing more and/or understanding a topic deeply.

According to Meyer and Land:

“the prevalence of a ‘common-sense’ or intuitive understanding can inhibit mastery of a threshold concept. Getting students to reverse their intuitive understandings is also troublesome because the reversal can involve an uncomfortable, emotional repositioning.” 

  • Do you have an understanding of the troublesome knowledge in your subject?
  • Have you developed specific strategies to challenge the intuitive misunderstandings that might be holding your students back?

For more info:

https://unistudentwellbeing.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Theshold-Concepts-Prf04.pdf 

For two lectures by a world expert, Professor Ray Land, Durham University, UK:

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