Transforming the economics curriculum by integrating threshold concepts

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 492-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashan Shayanka Mendis Karunaratne ◽  
Yvonne A Breyer ◽  
Leigh N Wood
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Student Experience ◽  
Threshold Concepts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Structure ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Higher Education Economics ◽  
Survey Responses

Purpose – Economics is catering to a diverse student cohort. This cohort needs to be equipped with transformative concepts that students can integrate beyond university. When a curriculum is content-driven, threshold concepts are a useful tool in guiding curriculum re-design. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The evidence for this pedagogic need can be seen in the UK’s higher education economics curriculum framework which is formulated around the threshold concepts of economics. Through a literature review of the application of threshold concepts in economics, the researcher has systematically re-designed an entry-level economics course. This research has been applied to the course structure, the learning and teaching activities, as well as the assessments. At the end of the semester, students students were surveyed on the student experience of the curriculum design and the course activities. The course grades noted the achievement of the students’ learning outcomes. Findings – When comparing the survey responses and the student course results to the previous semesters, there is a significant improvement in student experience as well as student learning outcomes of the course curriculum. Practical implications – This research provides curriculum developers with a benchmark and the tools required to transform economics curricula. Social implications – An engaging, transformative and integrative entry-level economics course is often the only exposure most business graduates have to the economics way of thinking and practice. Originality/value – This is the first comprehensive study that applies a curriculum re-design based on threshold concepts across an entry-level economics course.

Threshold concepts and pedagogic representation

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 463-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan H.F. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Critical Flow ◽  
Threshold Concepts ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Threshold Concept ◽  
Individual Contributions ◽  
Final Consideration ◽  
Metacognitive Activity ◽  
The Individual

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a brief exposure to the development of the threshold concepts framework (TCF), the intention being to illuminate for interested readers a broader landscape of research activity than that perhaps conveyed by the individual contributions to this special edition. Design/methodology/approach – There is first an account of how the notion of a “threshold concept” was presented by Meyer and Land in their seminal 2003 paper, and a clarification of some terminology used by them at that time to describe the (confusing for some) “characteristics” of such a concept. A discursive account, with examples, follows on how analyses for, and of, threshold concepts might proceed, and how findings might provoke a reappraisal of associated learning and teaching practices. Towards this end a contemporary pedagogical perspective is introduced based on the construct of integrated threshold concept knowledge (ITCK) as proposed by Meyer and Timmermans (2016). Reference to a detailed case study illustrates the practical dynamics of generating ITCK; specifically in the context of a third-year engineering course embedding the threshold of “critical flow”. Activities and processes, transferable to other discipline contexts, are described that yield particular elements of ITCK (different constituent “types of knowledge”) in relation, in this case, to “critical flow”. A final consideration is the “representation” of “critical flow” for pedagogical purposes in the form of a metacognitive activity for learning and formative assessment purposes that is, again, adaptable to other discipline contexts. Findings – There are no specific findings in this paper as its purpose is to provide a condensed review of the development of the TCF. Originality/value – This value of this paper is that it provides a contemporary expert exposure to the development of the TCF by the originator of the notion of a threshold concept.

scholarly journals Moving critical management education to praxis: integrating professional services within the critical classroom

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-35
Author(s):  
Suzette Dyer ◽  
Heather Lowery-Kappes ◽  
Fiona Hurd
Keyword(s):  
Critical Pedagogy ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Exploratory Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Reasoning ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Curriculum Redesign ◽  
Management Students

PurposeThis paper details how we adapted a critically informed third-year career management and development course to address an identified gap in our Human Resource Management students learning at both practical and theoretical levels. In order to address this gap, we explored and challenged the aims of our critically informed pedagogy, and alongside our campus career development services, collaboratively redesigned the course to enhance theoretical and practical learning outcomes of students.Design/methodology/approachWe detail changes made through three stages of curriculum redesign and provide an exploratory analysis of 106 student reflections on the third iterative redesign. This exploratory analysis focuses on student learning outcomes resulting from their engagement with the career practitioner and the revised course content.FindingsStudents found the course theoretically challenging and practically relevant and were readily able to incorporate career theory into descriptions of their own careers. However, more significantly, students were also able to situate themselves within a wider critique of the context of careers, demonstrating the development of critical reasoning skills and moving towards practical and critical action, demonstrating praxis.Originality/valueOur experience provides an example of bridging the seeming paradox of critical pedagogy and practice. Specific details of curriculum design may be of interest to those looking to improve both theoretical and practice engagement.

Measuring longitudinal student performance on student learning outcomes in sustainability education

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghann E. Jarchow ◽  
Paul Formisano ◽  
Shane Nordyke ◽  
Matthew Sayre
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Student Assessment ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Capstone Course ◽  
Assessment Of Student Learning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the student learning outcomes (SLOs) for a sustainability major, evaluate faculty incorporation of the SLOs into the courses in the sustainability major curriculum and measure student performance on the SLOs from entry into the major to the senior capstone course. Design/methodology/approach Through an iterative approach with a faculty advisory committee, SLOs were developed for the sustainability major. Curriculum mapping followed by evaluation of course syllabi were used to determine the extent to which each course addressed the SLOs. Student performance on most SLOs was measured through student assessment in an introductory and capstone course to evaluate the change in performance over time. Findings The core courses of the sustainability major were more likely to address the SLOs of the major than that of the elective courses. Where measured, student performance on the SLOs increased from the introductory course to the capstone course. Sustainability majors participated in an average of almost ten experiential learning opportunities focused on sustainability. Originality/value This research provides a longitudinal assessment of student learning in an undergraduate sustainability major. Because undergraduate sustainability degrees are generally new, this research can serve as a base upon which to continue to improve sustainability curriculum design.

scholarly journals Applying threshold concepts to finance education

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 476-491
Author(s):  
Susan Hoadley ◽  
Leigh N Wood ◽  
Leonie Tickle ◽  
Tim Kyng
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Threshold Concepts ◽  
Conceptual Content ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and identify threshold concepts that are the essential conceptual content of finance programmes. Design/methodology/approach – Conducted in three stages with finance academics and students, the study uses threshold concepts as both a theoretical framework and a research methodology. Findings – The study identifies ten threshold concepts in finance that are clearly endorsed by finance academics. However, the extent to which students are explicitly aware of the threshold concepts in finance is limited. Research limitations/implications – As well as informing further research into the design and delivery of finance programmes, the findings of the study inform the use of threshold concepts as a theoretical framework and a research methodology. The study does not explore the bounded, discursive, reconstitutive and liminal aspects of threshold concepts. Implications include the lack of recognition of more modern concepts in finance, and the need for input from industry and related disciplines. Practical implications – The threshold concepts in finance provide the starting point for finance educators in the design and delivery of finance programmes. In particular, the threshold concepts in finance need to be made more explicit to students. Social implications – Using the threshold concepts in finance as well as the other findings of this study to inform to finance curriculum design and delivery is likely to achieve better quality educational outcomes for finance students as well as better prepare them for professional finance roles. Originality/value – The finance curriculum is under researched and for the first time this study identifies the threshold concepts in finance to inform the design of finance programmes.

Librarians and instructors developing student learning outcomes

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 484-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kacy Lundstrom ◽  
Britt Anna Fagerheim ◽  
Elizabeth Benson
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Threshold Concepts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Writing Instructors ◽  
Department Faculty ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper if to design a workshop that effectively facilitates the collaborative revision of student learning outcomes based on current research relating to competencies in information literacy (IL). Design/methodology/approach – This case study describes collaborations between librarians and writing instructors throughout an eight-week workshop. The workshop focused on using the results of assessments to revise learning outcomes and restructure instruction practices to help students in the areas they struggle with the most. Three significant frameworks, including threshold concepts, backward design and decoding the disciplines, were used to facilitate effective discussion and revise learning outcomes. Findings – The structure of the workshop based on three key frameworks stimulated innovation, fostered collegiality, prompted future collaborative opportunities and garnered buy-in for the importance and implementation of IL initiatives. This collaboration served as a pilot workshop for future plans to write and revise IL outcomes with other departments across campus. Practical implications – This study can serve as a model for future collaborations with any department faculty, especially when IL learning outcomes need to be articulated or revised. The frameworks described are particularly helpful for guiding this process. Originality/value – While much is written on librarian collaborations, this case study emphasizes the importance of creating even closer collaborative opportunities that place both non-library faculty and teaching librarians on equal footing, allowing everyone in the workshop to take part in the design and implementation of integrating IL into a program. It also gives concrete ways to use threshold concepts to discuss IL issues with faculty, which is a major focus of the newly drafted Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.

scholarly journals Extramural but not Extracurricular

2019 ◽  
pp. 30-35
Author(s):  
Simon Beeson
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Professional Knowledge ◽  
Integrated Model ◽  
Architectural Education ◽  
Design Communication ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Course Structure ◽  
Knowledge And Skills

This paper considers the introduction of a Personal Development Portfolio into our assessment for architectural education. When revising out undergraduate course structure we moved to a fully integrated model, where assessment was based on a portfolio or ‘body of work’ produced during a ten-week studio project. These projects introduce, develop and integrate understanding and ability of the key knowledge and skills of the curriculum; design, communication, realisation (technology) and contextual studies. Each year of study also includes one unit where professional knowledge is also assessed. Alongside these ‘learning outcomes’ we introduced a PDP: a separate report documenting and reflecting on everything that falls outside the predicted aims of the project.

A strategy for using digital mindsets and knowledge technologies to move past pandemic conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherry Stewart ◽  
Ashfaq Ahmad Khan
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Constructive Development ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Tertiary Teaching

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the theoretical concepts of adult constructive development (ACD) in response to a requirement to teach fully online during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, responses have been unique for many university educators, regardless of the roles they have in supporting students during this time. How each person approaches the changing context can be enhanced by an understanding of their mindset as defined by Kegan’s theory. Design/methodology/approach An accounting academic and educational designer combine their expertise and engage a “digital mindset” to guide the re-design of the management accounting unit incorporating strategies that encourage students to be self-reliant yet learn from a broad diversity of perspectives. Findings Unexpected changes within an educational environment may be the catalyse needed to force significant rethinking of pedagogical practice within the online teaching space. Practical implications This paper offers practical thinking and design tips for creating interactive learning and teaching programs to develop a positive and supportive approach that challenges and facilitates cognitive growth in student knowledge, skills and learning behaviours. Social implications Stimulating student interaction via the creation of interactive and dynamic online curriculum design teachers may communicate more effectively with students as well as sharing their knowledge and skills with each other. Originality/value The authors explore Kegan’s ACD framework (1982, 1998, 2009) within the context of tertiary teaching and learning design for management accounting. The authors propose online strategies for each of the levels of development in the form of supports and challenges.

After 12

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Surajit Ghosh Dastidar ◽  
Nitin Kumar Jain
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Business Majors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Entry ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
College Going

Title – After 12. Subject area – Entrepreneurship. Study level/applicability – The case is suitable for analysis in an undergraduate/graduate entry level course on entrepreneurship. It may also be taught in a course for non-business majors who are unfamiliar with basic business concepts. Case overview – Shrey Gupta and Manoj Agarwal were the co-owners of “After 12”, a food facility in the Dhanakwadi area of Pune, India. In only nine months, their food enterprise had become quite popular among the local college going crowd. They were doing brisk business and sales had picked up quite a bit in the last two months. They both were quite pleased with the progress of their business. However, in spite of increasing sales figures in the last few months they hardly generated any profits. The revenue they generated was completely spent on buying raw materials like vegetables and other food materials and the rest was used in the payment of utility bills and wages of the cook and the helper. They only had enough money to continue for another month or so. Both pondered about what is the way to proceed. What can be done to make it sustainable? How would they arrange the extra money to get them going? Should they close down “After 12”? Expected learning outcomes – The case will aid students to understand: how small businesses are started and may fail; the importance of researching your business idea; and SWOT analysis. Supplementary materials – Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes.

Threshold concepts in business school curriculum – a pedagogy for public trust

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 540-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Bajada ◽  
Walter Jarvis ◽  
Rowan Trayler ◽  
Anh Tuan Bui
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Business School ◽  
Public Trust ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Curriculum Theory ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Threshold Concepts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compulsory Subject ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the implications for curriculum design by operationalizing threshold concepts and capabilities (TCC) in subject delivery. The motivation for undertaking this exploration is directly related to addressing public concerns for the business school curriculum. Design/methodology/approach – A post facto analysis of a compulsory subject in finance that is part of an Australian business degree and the impact on a subsequent finance subject. Findings – Customary approaches to granting part-marks in assessing students, (fractionalising) understanding of content can mean students pass subjects without grasping foundational concepts (threshold concepts) and are therefore not fully prepared for subsequent subjects. Research limitations/implications – Students passing subjects through fractionalization are poorly equipped to undertake deeper explorations in related subjects. If replicated across whole degree programs students may graduate not possessing the attributes claimed for them through their qualification. The implications for undermining public trust and confidence in qualifications are profound and disturbing. Practical implications – The literature has exposed risks associated with operationalizing threshold through assessments. This highlights a risk to public trust in qualifications. Originality/value – Operationalizing threshold concepts is an underexplored field in curriculum theory. The importance of operationalizing customary approaches to assessments through fractionalising marks goes to the legitimacy and integrity of qualifications granted by higher education. Operationalizing assessments for TCC presents profound, inescapable and essential challenges to the legitimacy of award granting institutions.

A framework for mapping sustainability within tertiary curriculum

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sloan Peter Trad
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Student Experience ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Learning ◽  
Subject Material

PurposeSustainability within tertiary curriculum is hard to measure and often perceived to be illusive in nature. Existing higher education sustainability assessment tools rarely focus on the curriculum. This paper aims to establish and implement a tool that can measure sustainability integration within curriculum. The Faculty of Engineering and IT (FEIT) at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is used as a case study.Design/methodology/approachA set of seven sustainability competencies are identified by means of a systematic literature review as the current knowledge of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) competencies. ESD competency integration into the curriculum is assessed by implementing a two-tier scanning mechanism. In the first step, subject outlines (SOs) are used to identify sustainable subject learning outcomes (SLOs) and assessment learning outcomes (ALOs). Step 2 involves analysing ALOs and SLOs for constructive alignment with student experience. SPSS, a statistical software, is then used to statistically reflect the results.FindingsAn initial scan of SOs found that stated ESD outcomes made up 22.4 per cent of FEIT undergraduate courses. A more detailed investigation which involved assessing subject material and student experience for the seven ESD outcomes resulted in a 7.7 per cent sustainability integration into the FEIT undergraduate courses. SPSS produced tables showing individual competency distribution over course candidature year. Lifecycle assessment was invisible from the curriculum.Research limitations/implicationsCase study outcomes are limited to UTS, and therefore, specific-study outcomes cannot be generalised. This study attempted to trace sustainability learning outcomes through the curriculum. However, a more detailed study should also assess subject pedagogy and artefacts as these may enable or inhibit sustainability competency.Originality/valueStudy developed several methods to establish and evaluate subject level ESD claims. Academic staff and management are able to replicate methods of this study to map ESD within their courses, schools and/or faculties triggering conversation around ESD’s actual integration within curriculum. Based on ESD distribution, specific intervention recommendations are proposed.

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