Transfer of learning refers to applying knowledge learned in one context to new situations. It occurs when learners recognize commonalities between concepts, link information in memory, and see value in applying prior learning to new contexts. Examples given include knowledge of French helping with Spanish, driving skills transferring to truck driving, and math preparing students for physics. For transfer to occur, initial learning must involve understanding rather than memorization. Context and motivation also impact transfer. Educators can promote transfer by teaching in meaningful contexts, employing informed instruction, providing practice opportunities, and fostering positive attitudes.
2. Definition
• Transfer of learning is the ability to
apply knowledge learned in one context
to new contexts.
• Transfer of learning occurs when the
learner
– recognizes common features among
concepts, skills, or principles;
– links the information in memory; and
– sees the value of utilizing what was learned
in one situation in another.
3. Examples
• Knowledge of French may help
student learn Spanish
• Learning to drive a car helps a
person to later drive a truck
• Learning mathematics prepares
students to study physics
• Learning to get along with siblings
may prepare one for getting along
better with others
4. Why is it Important?
• If there were no transfer, students
would need to be taught every act that
they would ever perform in any
situation
• Because the learning situation often
differs from the context of
application, the goal of training is not
accomplished unless transfer occurs.
• All new learning involves transfer based
on previous learning (Bransford, 41).
5. Why is it Important? Cont.
• If we did not transfer some of our
prior knowledge, then each new
learning situation would start from
scratch.
• Assumption of education: what is
taught in a course will be used in
relevant situations in other
courses, in the workplace and out
of school
6. Factor That Effect Transfer
1. Initial acquisition of knowledge is
necessary for transfer.
– Rote learning (memorizing isolated facts)
does not tend to facilitate transfer, learning
with understanding does
– Transfer is affected by degree to which
students learn with understanding
2. Context plays a fundamental role.
– Knowledge learned that is too tightly bound
to context in which it was learned will
significantly reduce transfer
7. Factor That Effect Transfer.
Cont
3. Attempts to cover too much too
quickly may hinder transfer.
4. Motivation affects the amount of time
people are willing to devote to
learning.
– People are more motivated when they can
see the usefulness of what they are learning
8. POSITIVE vs NEGATIVE
POSITIVE TRANSFER
NEGATIVE TRANSFER
• When learning in one
• When learning in one
context improves
context has a negative
performance in some
impact on performance
other context
in another context
– Speakers of one
– Contrasts in
language find it easier
vocabulary, pronuncia
to learn related rather
tion, and syntax
than unrelated
create difficulties
second languages
– Typically causes
problems only in the
early stages
9. NEAR vs FAR
NEAR TRANSFER
• transfer between very
similar contexts
– When a mechanic
repairs an engine in a
new model of
car, but with a design
similar to prior models
– Much better
prospects than far
transfer
FAR TRANSFER
• transfer between
contexts that seem alien
to one another
– A chess player may
apply basic strategies
to investment
practices or policies
11. 6 LEVEL OF TRANSFER
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Non-specific transer
Application Transfer
Context Transfer
Near Transfer
Far Transfer
Displacement Transfer
12. Strategies for Promoting
Transfer
Teach subject matter in meaningful contexts
•
• Employ informed instruction
– Students should learn not only how to explain a
concept, but also to understand when and why the
concept is useful
• Teach subject matter in circumstances as similar as
possible to those in which it will be employed
• Provide chances to practice using the subject matter in
situations that embody the full range of practical
applications that the learner is likely to come across
• Present opportunities for allocating practice after the
information has been originally learned
– Practice should be spread out over a period of time
(not combined into a single study session)
• Encourage positive attitudes toward subject matter
– Students will be less likely to avoid topics when they are
encountered somewhere else