Education procedure in transfer of learning

Education procedure in transfer of learning

The levels of transfer are often referred to as positive and negative. In addition, there are both subtle and marked differences in types of transfer. Many of the differences lead to distinctions in how transfer is classified depending on the level of complexity of the transfer.

Positive transfer: When learning in one context improves learning or performance in another context this is called positive transfer.

Negative transfer occurs when previous learning or experience inhibits or interferes with learning or performance in a new context.

Simple versus complex transfer: Simple transfer happens when little or no effort is required to apply what has been learnedin one situation to a new situation.

Near and far transfer: Another distinction used is between near and far transfer. Usually these terms distinguish the closeness or distance between the original learning and the transfer task. Near transfer has also been seen as the transfer of learning within the school context, or between a school task and a very similar task. Far transfer is used to refer to the transfer of learning from the school context to a non-school context.

Automatic and mindful transfer: When an individual responds spontaneously within a transfer situation, which is very similar to the learning situation then this is automatic transfer. Perkins and Salomon (1996b) use the terms low and high road transfer to differentiate the mechanisms of automatic and mindful transfer. Gradually, with time and practice, the automatic transfer effect will extend or ‘reach out’ over the low road. Mindful, high road transfer is deliberate and involves conscious thought and intellectual effort, and occurs in situations where there are significant gaps or differences between the original and the transfer situations. In an education or training course participants learn about a process in a controlled environment. The problems encountered in the educational setting tend to be well defined. In the workplace it may not always be obvious when, or even desirable to use the procedure.