Addressing Lower Threshold Concept Issue among Distance Learners: A Conceptual Paper of Scholarly Teaching and Learning (SoTL)

Abstract

Over time, distance learning has changed dramatically and become one of the most common substitutes for on-campus or full-time coursework in academic programs at higher education institutions (HEIs) across the globe. However, there is a recurring issue with distance learners, specifically with their threshold concept or low ability to understand and learn a concept of subject matter including franchise business. This study aims to explore the feasibility of scholarly teaching and learning (SoTL) research through the implementation of an innovative approach of Infographic Module-Based Padlet (IMP).  This study will utilize an action research approach, and the data will be analyzed through the triangulation methodology of i) document analysis, ii) one-on-one interview and, iii) instructors’ and researchers’ reflection for data trustworthiness. It is anticipated that the findings could explicate not only the factors influencing low threshold concept issues, but also discover the effectiveness of the IMP approach in addressing franchise business threshold concept among distance learners. From the policy perspective, the study could shed the lights on a structured teaching and learning activities particularly among distance learners. While practically, an interactive approach of IMP could prove a significant breakthrough towards realizing the effective learning and improve students’ threshold concept.