A broader threshold: including skills as well as concepts in Computing Education

Lynda Ann Thomas, Jonas Boustedt, Anna Eckerdal, Robert McCartney, Jan Erik Moström, Kate Sanders, Carol Zander

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

We propose “threshold skills” as a complement to threshold concepts. The definition of threshold concepts assumes that theoretical knowledge is paramount: gaining the understanding of particular concepts irreversibly transforms the learners.

Mastering computing, like many disciplines, however, requires learning a combination of concepts and skills. Mathematicians learn to do proofs, musicians learn to play their instruments, and martial artists learn to make moves by doing these activities, not just intellectually understanding them. We propose some characteristics for threshold skills and outline implications for teaching and for future work.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2012
EventFourth Bienniel Conferencer on Threshold Concepts: From personal practice to communities of practice - Trinity College, Dublin, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Duration: 28 Jun 201229 Jun 2012

Conference

ConferenceFourth Bienniel Conferencer on Threshold Concepts: From personal practice to communities of practice
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Period28 Jun 201229 Jun 2012

Keywords

  • Threshold concepts
  • Threshold skills
  • Professional education
  • Practice

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