Threshold Concepts in Neuroscience: Identification Challenges, Educational Opportunities and Recommendations for Practice

• Main Authors: Stefano Sandrone, Kambiz N. Alavian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2021-03-01
• Series: Frontiers in Education
• Subjects: threshold concepts; educational research; learning; neuroscience education; teaching
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.540307/full

Threshold concepts are recent, yet already established, aspects of medical education. However, they represent a new area in neuroscience education, especially given the recency of neuroscience as a field of research in its own right when compared to more established STEM disciplines. In this article, we reviewed the existing literature on threshold concepts in clinical/translational neuroscience education and argued the relevance and the importance of biomarker as a new threshold concept. Moreover, we included a set of recommendations for practice that has the potential to improve the students' experience by offering them an authentic journey and, ultimately, to build a community of practice with shared goals and an enhanced diversity, with beneficial effects at several societal levels.