Play with Troublesome Knowledge
- Gina Greenlee, Author
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 24
I discovered the Artpedagogy website during one of my immersive digital wanderings. I’ve only begun to dig into its content but I loved it immediately. I’ve been playing and wanted to share.
First, I learned something new: Threshold Concept. I didn’t completely grasp it from the website’s definition, so I Googled and this is what the AI served up:
A “threshold concept” refers to a core idea within a subject area that, once grasped by a learner, fundamentally transforms their understanding of the entire field, acting like a "portal" opening up new ways of thinking and perceiving the subject matter; it’s often considered challenging to learn but essential for deeper comprehension and progression within the discipline.
Key points about threshold concepts:
Transformative: Understanding a threshold concept significantly changes how a learner views the subject.
Troublesome: These concepts can be difficult to grasp initially due to their complexity or counter-intuitive nature.
Irreversible: Once understood, it’s difficult to “unlearn” a threshold concept.
Integrative: Grasping a threshold concept often connects various ideas within the subject area in a new way.
Discipline-specific: Different fields will have their own unique threshold concepts.
Specifically, on the Artpedagogy website they believe that "Threshold Concepts are some of the BIG IDEAS that can hep students develop a deeper understanding of art. They are not meant to be instantly understood. Once opened, they introduce students to troublesome knowledge and new ways of considering our subject."
I love the intentionality of new ideas not meant to be instantly understood. You’ve got to work for it. That’s where learning happens. “Troublesome knowledge,” is a term new to me, too, and one that I now adore. The term speaks to growth-mindset living, which is core to how I embody experience.
Google’s AI defines troublesome knowledge this way: “information or concepts that challenge existing beliefs, norms, or paradigms, causing discomfort, uncertainty, or cognitive dissonance.” Though I had not heard this term before, I’m familiar with the ideology. I’ve referred to this in my own professional and personal life as:
Growth Mindset
Grappling
Deliberate Practice
Growth Mindset
People who possess a growth mindset believe that their successes and failures are not based upon their abilities – how smart they are, the skills they possess – but are attributable to how much effort they put in. Along the way, they expect to make mistakes and understand that they are part of the learning process.
Grapple
Do you play Sudoku, poker or video games? Do you solve crossword puzzles? The reason you enjoy these conundrums is because they challenge you. After you’ve nailed a level of crossword puzzle, Wordfinder, Sudoku or the latest word game on your Smartphone, you are changed. You see and think differently. You now know how to play these games more skillfully than you did before.
Deliberate Practice
The deliberate struggle toward increased gaming skill doesn’t feel like failure, it feels rewarding as you apply your new superpowers to the next level of play.
New ways of thinking, perceiving and living come about through challenge – grappling and trouble. If there’s no effort, there’s no transformation.
There’s much to explore on this site:
