Threshold Concepts Symposium, Glasgow 2006

Centre for Academic Practice & Learning Enhancement

Welcome to the home page of the first Threshold Concepts Symposium.

From 30 August – 1 September 2006 a small scale international symposium is to be organised in the lively city of Glasgow to explore the new perspective of ‘threshold concepts’. There has been growing interest internationally in recent years in this framework and its applicability to particular disciplines. This will be the first international gathering dedicated to this topic and we cordially invite you to join us in Glasgow.

Within all subject areas there seem to be particular concepts that can be considered as akin to a portal, opening up a new and previously inaccessible way of thinking about something. A threshold concept represents a transformed way of understanding, or interpreting, or viewing something without which the learner cannot progress. As a consequence of comprehending a threshold concept there may thus be a transformed internal view of subject matter, subject landscape, or even world view, and the student can move on. Such conceptual gateways tend to be transformative, irreversible and integrative (exposing the previously hidden interrelatedness of something). They entail a shift in learner subjectivity and an extended use of discourse.

Use the buttons to the left to find out more about the programme and how to register. We look forward to welcoming you to Scotland.

Ray Land

Director, Centre for Academic Practice & Learning Enhancement

Conference Organisers:

Ray Land, University of Strathclyde

Jan Smith, University of Strathclyde

Aileen Wilson, University of Strathclyde

Erik Meyer, Durham University

Peter Davies, Staffordshire University

Jean Mangan, Staffordshire University