Crossing The Threshold
The ancient phrase crossing the threshold originates from a tradition in Roman mythology when grooms carried their bride across the threshold of a room after their wedding ceremony. Now we use this phrase to describe many kinds of transitions that occur in life. In 2003, J. Meyer and R. Land published an article called “Overcoming Barriers to Student Understanding: Threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge.” In this primary source article, they applied the idea of crossing a threshold to the study of learning. Meyer and Rand recognized that some learning concepts are particularly difficult or troublesome to comprehend. They likened these threshold concepts to a portal or gateway that must be accessed in order to enter into a transformational understanding in which the learner (just like someone crossing a threshold in life) cannot return to the state he or she experienced prior. These threshold concepts must be mastered before true advancement in that field of study can continue.
Threshold concepts are found in a variety of fields and many case studies have since been studied to explore the best way to help students master them. However, I noticed a lack of examples in the Meyer/Land articles in areas like human development, psychology, and spiritual studies (the areas I am focusing on in my doctoral journey). Recognizing that Meyer and Land focused on educational settings rather than real-world practice, a cursory Google search reassured me that other practitioners and leaders ARE INDEED applying threshold concept theory to my particular areas of interest, although perhaps not as widely as fields like mathematics, economics, medicine and education (which largely seemed to be the fields represented in the reading).
As a way to digest and apply the idea of threshold concepts, here are initial thoughts about how the Meyer and Land framework intersects with my doctoral portfolio project areas of study: 1) Spiritual formation in females 2) Development of resilience in early-adolescent females.
Spiritual Formation, Liminality and Troublesome Language
Over my lifetime, I’ve realized that spiritual formation is a journey—a long and winding road with similar landmarks for each person, but often a different route to get there. Although I know that spiritual formation is not a formula that can be applied, I often notice myself trying to make it one. Development of discipleship models, spiritual growth models and other step-by-step guides to growing more Christ-like often seem like a good idea until one realizes that some aspects of spiritual formation are exactly like the liminality of threshold concepts, with people becoming suspended in a state of understanding that is not yet fully developed. This state of liminality, or limited understanding, often results in the learner imitating and operating in a non-authentic way because they have yet to pass through the portal of true understanding. As a spiritual director and church leader, it can be frustrating to see so many people living in this spiritually inauthentic space, knowing that they have not yet experienced the fullness of life in Christ. It’s even more frustrating to come to the conclusion that for some, this liminality of spiritual development can last quite a long time.
In an educational class, one can often “fake it till they make it,” but that attitude can be dangerous when it comes to the spiritual journey. Unfortunately, I think this is where many modern-day Christians find themselves. And even more unfortunate is the human tendency to return to this state of spiritual liminality due to sin. Like the woman in the image above, it can seem as though there is an ocean between our current position and the relationship God yearns to have with us. The question then becomes, “how do we continuously help each other through this liminality stage into embodied knowing of Christ,” especially when the difficulty and ambiguity of religious language is often a barrier to such knowing? Perhaps there is something to explore here in terms of heart-centered and experiential faith contrasted with intellectual faith.
Development of Resilience in Early-Adolescent Females and Joining a Community Via Threshold Concepts
My portfolio project focuses on developing resilience in early-adolescent females (the ability to “bounce back” from difficult circumstance). As I read about the experience of learners who master threshold concepts becoming part of a community of others who have also experienced the shift, it made me think about the journey that young females make through early-adolescence into womanhood. In our culture, we have largely lost the rituals and rites of passage that help guide children to become adults. In fact, with females in particular, the beginning of puberty is often accompanied by intense shame instead of pride. So perhaps it is time to shift the narrative of becoming a woman and think of it more like a threshold concept. What transformation (or threshold concept) of thought must occur for a young girl to become part of the community of womanhood in addition to the physical developments that happen naturally? And…how can adult women guide, celebrate and welcome them as they undergo the process?
About the Author
Laura Fleetwood
Laura Fleetwood is a Christian creative, certified Enneagram Coach, doctoral student at Portland Seminary and Creative Director at her home church, Messiah St. Charles. As a published author, national faith speaker, podcaster and self-described anxiety warrior, Laura uses storytelling to teach you how to seek the S T I L L in the midst of your chaotic life. Find Laura at www.seekingthestill.com11 responses to “Crossing The Threshold”
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Laura,
I found your post thought-provoking on so many levels! I like that you found some gaps in Meyer and Land’s presentation of threshold concepts and that you went looking more broadly to see if other researchers are covering threshold concepts in some of the social sciences. It’s encouraging that you discovered that they are indeed discussing these ideas in a broader array of disciplines.
I also appreciated how practical you made this topic to your project. I’m especially drawn to the questions you asked at the end of your blog:
“What transformation (or threshold concept) of thought must occur for a young girl to become part of the community of womanhood in addition to the physical developments that happen naturally? And…how can adult women guide, celebrate and welcome them as they undergo the process?”
What are some of the answers to these questions that you are mulling over at the moment? Your project seems so valuable to girls and women throughout our western culture and beyond. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I believe we have to shift the narrative to help girls see the beauty in their femininity. Rather than focusing on all the negative aspects of female cycles, pain in childbirth, challenges of being a women, etc. we can teach girls that becoming a woman is wonderful. Using powerful imagery like Mother Nature, Mother Earth and the female personification of Wisdom, we can initiate girls into womanhood in a positive way. I think about different rites or rituals that churches could offer for mothers and daughters to participate in. There is something about ceremony that can be wonderful. If females bonded together in this way, I think it could also result in less competition and comparison and more of a female comradery. This is all part of my portfolio project, so hopefully I’ll have a better idea of what this could look like by the end of this year!
Thanks, Jenny!
This is amazing, Laura! Your ideas seem life transforming for girls and women. Do you envision grandmothers being in on some of the potential rites and rituals that churches might offer someday?
Yes! I actually love the idea of having as many women role models be part of it as possible. Research says that teenagers need at least 4 trustworthy adults in their life to thrive, so the more, the better!
Laura,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. A few things stood out to me while reading it that I kept returning to. The first thing is the idea that spiritual formation is not a formula that can be applied. I have often found myself in those same shoes of trying to make spiritual formation a formula. What resources or ways have you helped yourself overcome trying to make spiritual formation a formula? I ask selfishly because this is an area of struggle for me.
Secondly, your portfolio project focuses on early adolescent females, but I am curious if what you are discovering can also apply (not entirely) to early-adolescent males. As a parent, I am curious about building this into my kids.
Thanks again for sharing a very thoughtful reflection on our reading.
Daron – By far the most impactful thing for me growing spiritually has been having a Spiritual Director–someone who helps me listen to God. Through that process and lots of readings of Christian mystics, I’ve discovered that just like each of us has a unique personality, each of us has a different need for God in our lives and these needs change as life changes.
I think of the Gospel like a multi-faceted diamond. It’s not just about salvation, it’s also about transformation, fulfillment, kinship, friendship and so much more. This has freed me up to be more interested in what Christ’s Spirit wants to do in me rather than fitting some religious mold. Spiritual direction has been huge…
As for findings that related to young males, there are definitely similar components. The wonderful thing I’ve learned about resilience is that it is a skill that can be nurtured, developed and learned. I think many of the resilience factors that I want to teach young girls could also be taught to boys, but with a different approach that they would relate to.
Lara,
Thank you for bringing out the liminality issue in such a clear and concise manner. To compare it to the state of some Christians was very insightful.
Any thought on how you might answer your own exploratory prompt? (How to move from a heart-centered faith versus an intellectual faith?) This could be a doctoral project – so initial impression perhaps.
Oh my goodness, Audrey. SOOOO many thoughts! Western culture has intellectualized faith in so many ways, which is frustrating to me because Jesus tells that it’s impossible for our human brains to understand! Paul says we see through a mirror dimly. Only in heaven will we see fully. In the meantime, I’ve learned much from the writings of Christian mystics who share a more experiential way embodying faith. In my personal faith practice, I try to stay aware that my intellectual understanding of God (and everyone else’s) is so limited, but that the Holy Spirit is always at work helping us experience spiritual truths if we listen and become attuned to Her work. So spiritual practices like journaling, breath prayer, walking labyrinths and other physical ways of experiencing God are very important to me. I wish we could bring more of these back. One day I hope to help with that!
Great post Laura!
I was also consider the implications of threshold concepts on the spiritual journey and the educational aspects of church ministry. Specifically, what threshold concepts might be present in spiritual journey’s that are applicable to many people.
I am curious what you think about the “fake it till you make it” idea of the spiritual life. I get that this can lead to inauthentic spirituality, yet I wonder if that is often times a good way to start a practice. I liken it to getting (back) into shape. It is challenging at first and often the “win” is just showing up to the gym or preparing the better meal. Over time, these practices will become preferred and second nature that will lead to the desired result. What are your thoughts about threshold practices that lead to new horizons of learning or spirituality?
Great post and good use of visuals!
Awesome, Laura
The Holy Spirit should always lead you.
Laura,
You did a great job on your blog, I really appreciated your intro as it brought the reader right into a new concept. That just like a new marriage, life has many transitions that we can embrace. Well done!