Transfer of learning

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The Theory of Transfer of Learning was introduced by Thorndike and Woodworth (1901). They explored how individuals would transfer learning in one context to another context that shared similar characteristics. Their theory implied that transfer of learning depends on the learning task and the transfer task being identical, also known as 'identical elements'. There is a close relationship between transfer of learning and problem solving, since transfer of learning generally occurs when previous knowledge is applied to solve a problem in a new situation (Ormrod, 2004).

[edit] Types of transfer

Perkins and Salomon (1992) elaborate different types of transfer of learning, describing the concept and the differences between positive and negative transfer, as well as what is called "near" and "far" transfer. The following table, presenting different types of transfer, is adapted from Schunk (2004, p. 220).

Type	Characteristics
Near	Overlap between situations, original and transfer contexts are similar
Far	Little overlap between situations, original and transfer settings are dissimilar
Positive	What is learned in one context enhances learning in a different setting (+)
Negative	What is learned in one context hinders or delays learning in a different setting (+)
Vertical	Knowledge of a previous topic is essential to acquire new knowledge (++)
Horizontal	Knowledge of a previous topic is not essential but helpful to learn a new topic (++)
Literal	Intact knowledge transfers to new task
Figural	Use some aspect of general knowledge to think or learn about a problem
Low Road	Transfer of well-established skills in almost automatic fashion
High Road	Transfer involves abstraction so conscious formulations of connections between contexts
High Road /Forward Reaching	Abstracting situations from a learning context to a potential transfer context
High Road / Backward Reaching	Abstracting in the transfer context features of a previous situation where new skills and knowledge were learned

(+) from Cree and Macaulay, (2000). (++) from Ormrod (2004).

Transfer of Learning - applying the skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes that were learned in one situation to another learning situation. This increases the speed of learning. (Aird 2007)

[edit] See also

[edit] References

Cree, V., & Macaulay, (2000). Transfer of learning in professional and vocational education. Routledge.
Ormrod, J. E. (2004). Human learning (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA: Pearson.
Perkins, D. N., & Salomon, G. (1992). Transfer of learning. International Encyclopedia of Education (2nd ed.). Oxford, UK: Pergamon Press.
Schunk, D. (2004). Learning theories: An educational perspective (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA: Pearson.