Intersectionality and participation as threshold concepts

In education theories, threshold concepts are key concepts within a discipline, and students must learn and understand them. Once they have comprehended those threshold concepts, it is argued that students' critical analysis and comprehension will be transformed and enhanced.Intersectionality and participation are among the key threshold concepts in Gender and Development (GAD) theories and practices. However, within the classroom settings, students can find it challenging to understand the two concepts, and how to apply them in the development context from an equitable and inclusive approach.This practice note shares my experience of designing assessments and activities using the threshold concept approach, where students learn about intersectionality and participation through a high-stake roleplay over three weeks, during which I observe the students' interactions with each other, as well as how they apply intersectionality and participation theories in their strategies and negotiations. Based on students' learning experiences over three years, I argue that the use of roleplay is highly effective and creates a safe space for students to navigate troublesome knowledge and embrace GAD threshold concepts through trial and error.