Identifying Threshold Concepts in Analytical Chemistry: Foundations for Improving Teaching and Learning

• Grant number: 24/16670-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Education - Educational Teaching and Learning
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Rogerio Miranda Correia
• Grantee: Paulo Rogerio Miranda Correia
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Thiago Regis Longo Cesar da Paixão

Abstract

This project seeks to identify and characterise threshold concepts in Analytical Chemistry, with the aim of improving teaching and learning practices in Brazilian public universities. Threshold concepts are critical ideas that, once understood, enable deeper comprehension but are often challenging to teach and learn. The project will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in Analytical Chemistry education by focusing on how university lecturers perceive and integrate these concepts into their teaching. Grounded in social constructivism, the project will use a single case study approach, employing three sequential data collection cycles to engage distinct groups of lecturers. Each cycle will include workshops on threshold concepts, followed by interviews, concept mapping, focus groups, and document analysis. Methodological triangulation will ensure the robustness and depth of the findings, while external validation by international experts will provide additional scrutiny and rigour. The results of this project will address specific learning barriers in Analytical Chemistry, offering insights into the key challenges students face when encountering threshold concepts. These findings will provide practical strategies for lecturers to help students overcome these barriers, leading to improved teaching practices and deeper student engagement. The project will significantly enhance the understanding and application of threshold concepts in science education through its academic and practical contributions. (AU)