ASE Annual Conference 2018

Threshold concepts are challenging, “troublesome” concepts that, once mastered, enable students to develop a new (or transformed) understanding, and to make connections that were previously inaccessible. I wanted to identify the stumbling blocks in KS4 Structure and Bonding that hold students back from developing a deeper understanding.
Using misconceptions literature, I identified and compiled a list of tricky concepts, and I aimed to identify the true threshold concepts via teaching and assessment.
I'll demonstrate how you can integrate research ideas, including Misconceptions literature and Cognitive Science, into everyday practice without significantly veering off-piste. Via my usual assessment activities, I identified "hurdles" and "bottlenecks" that prevent students fully understanding a topic.

I'll also talk about how and why I think spaced practice might help students to move from "mimicry" (giving the correct answers to questions, without fully-developed understanding) to "mastery.