Threshold Concepts as an Threshold Concepts as an approach to pedagogic researchapproach to pedagogic research

Jan SmithCAPLE, University of Strathclyde

jan.smith@strath.ac.uk

• Transformative learning

• Nature of disciplines

• Methods

• Application

Transformative learning

Biglan’s Typology (1973)

Hard Soft

Pure

Applied

Physics

Engineering Education

History

Economics

ApplicationSome under-represented disciplines, particularly arts and humanities, (some) social sciences

Interdisciplinary areas, especially perhaps PGI

Curriculum design

Assessment

Professional learning

Visual methods

What are your interests or issues?

• Summary and extensive bibliography: http://www.ee.ucl.ac.uk/~mflanaga/thresholds.html

• Videos from 1st Threshold conference: http://www.strath.ac.uk/caple/newsandevents/pastevents/

• Mailing list (pretty dormant!) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/TCS.html

• Useful things...

• What’s missing, or more needed?

• Feedback/comments/observations?

Thank you. jan.smith@strath.ac.uk