Question

What are some threshold concepts in Electricity and Magnetism Physics? Use the characteristics of threshold concepts to support your reasoning.

Answer 1

All of the physical phenomena of electricity are related to the presence or movement of charge. While most people are familiar with the use of an electrical and electronic devices, the inner processes by which they work are not visible to the user.

"Threshold concepts" can be used as a Framework for revising a curriculum.

(i) Identify three "big ideas" in course

(ii) Identify learning outcomes

(iii) Identify potential threshold concepts

(iv) Negotiation / Investigation of threshold concepts

(v) Help students overcome threshold concepts

The characteristics of threshold concepts is mainly divided into two parts like primary and secondary.

In primary characteristics, we have

• Transformative = It must involve a cognitive shift and potentially a shift in identity.
• Integrative = It must "tie" ideas together in students mental models.

In secondary characteristics, we have

• Discursive = It may enhance the students ability to communicate precise language.
• Bounded = It may only apply to one discipline.
• Reconstitutive = It may shift connections in the students mental models.
• Irreversible = It is highly unlikely to be forgotten.

The following methods for identifying Threshold concepts in Electricity and Magnetism Physics are -

(i) Content Analysis

(ii) Interviews / Focus Groups

(iii) Discourse Analysis

(iv) Delphi Study

(v) Content Representation