Transfer of Learning

Definition

Transfer of learning refers to the ability to apply knowledge, skills, or strategies learned in one context to a different but related context. It is the process of using prior learning to facilitate new learning or problem-solving in a novel situation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transfer of learning is a key concept in the study of learning and memory, as it helps explain how individuals can apply their knowledge and skills to new situations.
2. The degree of transfer depends on the similarity between the original learning context and the new context, as well as the learner's ability to recognize and apply the relevant knowledge or skills.
3. Positive transfer occurs when prior learning helps an individual acquire new, related information more quickly or effectively, while negative transfer happens when prior learning interferes with new learning.
4. Near transfer refers to the application of learning from one situation to a very similar situation, while far transfer involves applying learning to a more distantly related context.
5. Strategies to promote transfer of learning include providing opportunities for practice in varied contexts, encouraging the use of analogies and metaphors, and explicitly teaching students how to recognize and apply relevant knowledge.

Review Questions

• Explain the concept of positive transfer of learning and provide an example.
  • Positive transfer of learning occurs when prior learning facilitates the acquisition of new, related material. For example, if a student has learned the principles of solving linear equations in an algebra course, they may be able to more easily learn how to solve quadratic equations in a subsequent course, as the underlying mathematical concepts and problem-solving strategies are similar.
• Describe the differences between near transfer and far transfer, and discuss the factors that influence the degree of transfer.
  • Near transfer refers to the application of learning from one situation to a very similar situation, while far transfer involves applying learning to a more distantly related context. The degree of transfer depends on the similarity between the original learning context and the new context, as well as the learner's ability to recognize and apply the relevant knowledge or skills. Factors that can influence the degree of transfer include the level of understanding of the original material, the degree of overlap between the two contexts, and the learner's metacognitive skills in recognizing and applying their prior knowledge.
• Evaluate the role of instructional strategies in promoting transfer of learning, and suggest ways in which educators can enhance the transfer of learning in their classrooms.
  • Instructional strategies play a crucial role in promoting transfer of learning. Educators can enhance transfer by providing opportunities for practice in varied contexts, encouraging the use of analogies and metaphors to help students recognize similarities between new and prior learning, and explicitly teaching students how to recognize and apply relevant knowledge. Additionally, fostering students' metacognitive skills, such as their ability to reflect on their own learning and identify connections between concepts, can further facilitate the transfer of learning. By intentionally designing learning experiences that support the transfer of knowledge and skills, educators can help students become more adaptable and effective problem-solvers.

Related terms

Positive Transfer: When prior learning facilitates or enhances the learning of new, related material.

Negative Transfer: When prior learning interferes with or hinders the learning of new, related material.

Near Transfer: The application of learning from one situation to a very similar situation.