The potential of threshold concepts: an emerging framework for educational research and practice

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ursula Lucas ◽  
Rosina Mladenovic
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Educational Research ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Higher Education Research ◽  
Threshold Concepts ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Threshold Concept ◽  
Introductory Accounting

This paper explores the notion of a 'threshold concept' and discusses its possible implications for higher education research and practice. Using the case of introductory accounting as an illustration, it is argued that the idea of a threshold concept provides an emerging theoretical framework for a 're-view' of educational research and practice. It is argued that this re-view both demands and supports several forms of dialogue about educational research and practice: within the disciplines (between lecturers and between lecturers and students) and between lecturers and educational developers. Finally, it is suggested that, rather than representing a research field in its own right, the threshold concepts framework may act as a catalyst, drawing together a variety of fields of research in a productive educative framework.

Borders, paths and orientations: assembling the higher education research field as doctoral students and supervisors

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 422-437
Author(s):  
Tai Peseta ◽  
Giedre Kligyte ◽  
Amani Bell ◽  
Brittany Hardiman ◽  
Delyse Leadbeatter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Higher Education Research

scholarly journals Challenges for research in higher education: the case of internationalization between the explanandum and the explanans

Sociologias ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (54) ◽  
pp. 46-63
Author(s):  
Amélia Veiga ◽  
António Magalhães
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Applied Research ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Policy Coordination ◽  
Higher Education Research ◽  
Nation States ◽  
Internationalisation Of Higher Education ◽  
Cooperation Relationship ◽  
Managerial Perspective

Abstract A key issue in higher education research is that its nature is shaped by the contexts within which it is produced, in response to agendas that reflect more policy coordination demands than disciplinary concerns. The research problematiques are construed mostly out of the theoretical framework of the disciplines, which, in turn, are diluted within an applied research mode. Internationalisation, quality, and access, for instance, tend to be explored from an implementation and managerial perspective. We convene the criticisms of methodological “isms” to highlight how they shape our conceptualisations and understanding of the transformations in higher education. Under this stance, conceptual narratives on internationalisation of higher education prompted by the Brexit momentum are identified in the study Higher education and Brexit: current European perspectives to bring forward the extent to which internationalisation as a conceptual narrative acts as an explanation of the strategies to address the topic, and what is needed to be itself explained. The paper identifies discursive elements stemming from conceptual narratives convened to approach internationalisation in higher education research, and how they reflect the reification of the state and higher education. By focusing on the Brexit momentum that brought to the front stage the centrality of the nation-states and their competition/cooperation relationship, this paper contributes to call attention to the epistemological and methodological implications of isms.

Exploring the relevance of qualitative research synthesis to higher education research and practice

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire H. Major ◽  
Maggi Savin-Baden
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Higher Education Research ◽  
Research And Practice

This paper proposes the importance of qualitative research synthesis to the field of higher education. It examines seven key texts that undertake synthesis in this field and compares essential features and elements across studies. The authors indicate strengths of the approaches and highlight ways forward for using qualitative research synthesis in the field of higher education.

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