School and University students studying science and technology often encounter barriers to their understanding of complex concepts.  However, unlike in the arts, students are frequently poorly motivated to overcome these barriers.  Focusing on 'performance' JuxtaLearn provokes student curiosity in science and technology understanding through creative film making, editing and sharing activities.

This presentation will present evidence from science and technology case-studies in schools and the OU (TU100 & Science) that cover issues around:

• What are the stumbling blocks to understanding that can cause retention issues and poor exam results?
• How can we identify personal threshold concepts?
• How can performance (in particular videos) support understanding these threshold concepts?
• What role do technologies and interactions play in supporting curiosity and developing understanding?

The presentation will focus upon the issues around engagement for research with schools, the media company Catchermedia and OU courses.  In particular, the similarities and differences between these different situations.  Findings reveal teachers frustrations in teaching;  'I don't understand why they don't understand' and how there is a difficult process in supporting students in 'becoming' scientists.