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).
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. -Kim
See also
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.
