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.
 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
 Why is it important?
• 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
 Factors that Affect Transfer
• 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
• Context plays a fundamental role.
– Knowledge learned that is too tightly bound
to context in which it was learned will
significantly reduce transfer
 Factors that Affect Transfer
(continued)
• Knowledge that is overly contextualized can
reduce transfer; abstract representations
can promote transfer (Bransford, 41).
• Attempts to cover too much too quickly
may hinder transfer.
• 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
 Positive vs. Negative
• Positive transfer: when learning in one
context improves performance in some
other context
– Speakers of one language find it easier to learn
related rather than unrelated second languages
• Negative transfer: when learning in one
context has a negative impact on
performance in another context
– Contrasts in vocabulary, pronunciation, and
syntax create difficulties
– Typically causes problems only in the early stages
 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
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
The more understanding, the better
the transfer.
• Bilateral transfer is an aspect of the transfer
of learning and is the transfer of learning
or performance from one side of the body
after training to the other. So, for example,
after training a task with the right hand there,
is an improvement in left handed
performance.