Transfer of Learning: Types, Approaches and 15 Strategies to boost effective learning

Transfer of Learning

Transfer of learning is a concept that every teacher should know about!!

Whenever an individual attempts to learn or perform a new task, their previously acquired knowledge and experiences play a crucial role. The knowledge, understanding, skills, and applications learned in school are valuable only when transferred to various tasks in future life. Using knowledge acquired in one subject, work, or situation in another subject, work, or situation is known as transfer of learning.

Nature of Transfer of Learning

1. Positive Transfer:

Positive  transfer of learning  occurs when previous knowledge facilitates acquiring new knowledge. For example, knowing how to ride a bicycle helps learn to ride a motorcycle.

2. Negative Transfer:

This happens when previous knowledge hinders acquiring new knowledge. For instance, a habit of walking quickly can make it challenging to adopt a slower pace (as advised by a doctor).

3. Zero Transfer:

This occurs when previous knowledge neither aids nor obstructs acquiring new knowledge. For example, knowing Spanish is neither helpful nor a hindrance when learning Hindi.

Types of Learning Transfer

1. Lateral Transfer:

Lateral transfer involves applying previous learned skills or knowledge to learn skills at the same level. For example, if a teacher teaches 8-2=6 in class, and the student understood the concept and later applies this concept at home by subtracting two bananas from eight, it shows lateral transfer.

2. Vertical Transfer:-

Upwards Transfer is the transfer where previously learned knowledge or skill is transferred to learn higher level knowledge or skill. Gagne has considered this type of transfer to be a process similar to climbing up a ladder. For example, the thrust of riding a bicycle helps in riding a motorcycle.

3. Sequential Transfer:-

The effect of learning a new subject or skill after learning the subjects in a sequence is called sequential transfer. The sequential transfer of learning effect is always positive. For example, when a child learns the process of division after learning addition, subtraction and multiplication, then the transfer of previous knowledge is an example of sequential transfer.

4. Bilateral Transfer:-

The human body can be divided into two parts- the right portion and the left portion. When the knowledge gained in one part of the body is transferred to the other part, it is called bilateral transfer, such as the knowledge of writing with the right hand being transferred to writing with the left hand.

Theories of Transfer of Learning

1. Theory of Mental Discipline:-

The theory of mental discipline is the oldest theory of transfer of learning. According to this theory, transfer happens automatically. For transfer, only mental activities need to be developed and practised. [1]

For example, learning mathematics develops reasoning power. Learning Sanskrit increases memory and studying chemistry and physics develops observation power.

Transfer is the use of previous knowledge in acquiring new knowledge, and transfer will also be more through the above mentioned activities. But this theory is not acceptable to modern psychologists.

2. Theory of Identical Elements:-

This theory was propounded by E. L. Thorndike. In fact, this theory is an extension of the Law of Analogy. According to this theory, transfer from one situation to another takes place in the proportion in which the subject matter, approach, method, objective etc. of both the situations are similar. For example, transfer of Hindi knowledge takes place more in learning Sanskrit.

3. Theory of Generalization:-

This theory was propounded by C.H. Judd in 1908. According to him, students make some general rules or principles on the basis of their knowledge and experience and use them in other situations. Judd explained this through an experiment. When two children were asked to aim at an object submerged in water, the child who was trained in the law of refraction hit the target correctly.

Factors Affecting Transfer of Learning

1. Learner’s Will ( इच्छा )

Want to learn? That’s the first step! If you’re interested, you’ll try harder to connect new info to what you already know.

2. Learner’s Mental Ability ( मानसिक क्षमता )

How sharp is your mind? If you’re good at problem-solving and thinking, you’ll find it easier to link new and old knowledge.

3. Learner’s Educational Achievement ( शैक्षिक उपलब्धि )

How well did you do in your previous studies? If you did well, you’ll be more confident and better at applying what you learned.

4. Ability to Generalize ( सामान्यीकरण की क्षमता )

Can you see the big picture? If you can spot patterns and rules, you’ll find it easier to apply them in new situations.

5. Similarity of Subject ( विषय की समानता )

How similar is the new subject to what you already know? The more similar, the easier it is to connect the dots.

6. Transfer Value of Subject (विषय की उपयोगिता)

Is what you’re learning useful in real life? If yes, you’ll be more motivated to apply it.

7. Training ( प्रशिक्षण )

How well are you being taught? Good training helps you practice, get feedback, and connect new knowledge to old.

Educational Implications and Utilization

1. Connect Learning: Link new information to what students already know.

2. Effective Teaching: Train teachers to help students apply what they learn.

3. Real-Life Examples: Use everyday examples to make learning relevant.

4. Practical Assessments: Test students’ ability to apply knowledge, not just remember.

5. Combine Subjects: Teach subjects together to show connections.

6. Project Work: Have students work on projects that apply learning.

7. Teacher Teamwork: Encourage teachers to share ideas.

8. Technology Help: Use digital tools to aid learning.

9. Student Choice: Give students options to learn independently.

10. Activity-Based Learning: Use activities that promote application.

11. Regular Feedback: Provide feedback to help students improve.

12. Supportive Classroom: Create a positive learning environment.

13. Mentor Support: Pair teachers with experienced mentors.

14. Teacher Training: Provide ongoing training for teachers.

15. Continuous Improvement: Regularly evaluate and improve teaching methods.