Chapter 13Chapter 13

Transfer of LearningTransfer of Learning

Concept: Transfer of learning from one performance situation to another is an integral part of skill learning and performance

What is Transfer of Learning?What is Transfer of Learning?

Influence of previous experience on:Influence of previous experience on:–Learning a new skillLearning a new skill–Performing a skill in a new contextPerforming a skill in a new context

This influence can result in the This influence can result in the following:following:

–Positive transferPositive transfer–Negative transferNegative transfer–Neutral (zero)Neutral (zero)

Why is Transfer of Learning Why is Transfer of Learning Important?Important?

Transfer principle has practical and Transfer principle has practical and theoretical significance for:theoretical significance for:

–Sequencing skills to be learnedSequencing skills to be learned–Developing instructional methodsDeveloping instructional methods–Assessing the effectiveness of practice Assessing the effectiveness of practice

conditionsconditions

Why Does Positive Transfer of Why Does Positive Transfer of Learning Occur?Learning Occur?

Two commonly accepted reasonsTwo commonly accepted reasons–Both based on the relationship between the Both based on the relationship between the

previous and new experience or contextprevious and new experience or contextSee Figure 13.1See Figure 13.1

Similarity of skill and context componentsSimilarity of skill and context components–Thorndike’s “identical elements” theoryThorndike’s “identical elements” theory

Similarity of processing requirementsSimilarity of processing requirements–Transfer-appropriate processing viewTransfer-appropriate processing view

Although much remains unknown about the Although much remains unknown about the cause of transfer of learning, evidence points cause of transfer of learning, evidence points to the value of both hypotheses in accounting to the value of both hypotheses in accounting for transfer effectfor transfer effect

Why Does Positive Transfer of Why Does Positive Transfer of Learning Occur?Learning Occur?

Two commonly accepted reasonsTwo commonly accepted reasons–Both based on the relationship between the Both based on the relationship between the

previous and new experience or contextprevious and new experience or contextSee Figure 13.1See Figure 13.1

Similarity of skill and context componentsSimilarity of skill and context components–Thorndike’s “identical elements” theoryThorndike’s “identical elements” theory

Similarity of processing requirementsSimilarity of processing requirements–Transfer-appropriate processing viewTransfer-appropriate processing view

Although much remains unknown about the Although much remains unknown about the cause of transfer of learning, evidence points cause of transfer of learning, evidence points to the value of both hypotheses in accounting to the value of both hypotheses in accounting for transfer effectfor transfer effect

Negative TransferNegative Transfer

Considered rare and temporary in motor skill Considered rare and temporary in motor skill learninglearningOccurs when new skill or context involvesOccurs when new skill or context involves

–Similar environmental context features but Similar environmental context features but requires a different movement responserequires a different movement response

Negative effects can be overcome with Negative effects can be overcome with practicepracticeImportant for the practitioner to be aware that Important for the practitioner to be aware that it could cause discouragement early in it could cause discouragement early in practicepractice

Why Do Negative Transfer Why Do Negative Transfer Effects Occur?Effects Occur?

Two main reasons:Two main reasons:1.1. Motor control system required to perform Motor control system required to perform

in non-preferred manner for the environmental in non-preferred manner for the environmental contextcontext

2.2. Cognitive confusionCognitive confusion

Bilateral TransferBilateral Transfer

Transfer of learning that involves Transfer of learning that involves the the positive influence of previous experience positive influence of previous experience performing a skill with one limb on learning performing a skill with one limb on learning or performing the same skill with a different or performing the same skill with a different limb, limb, i.e.i.e., between-limb transfer, between-limb transfer

–Also known as cross transfer or cross-Also known as cross transfer or cross-educationeducation

PretestPretest Practice trialPractice trial Post testPost test

Preferred limbPreferred limb XX XX XX

Non preferredNon preferred XX XX

Experimental evidence of bilateral transfer provided by this research design:

Bilateral Transfer, cont’dBilateral Transfer, cont’dAsymmetric transfer:Asymmetric transfer: Bilateral transfer in Bilateral transfer in which there is a greater amount of transfer which there is a greater amount of transfer from one limb than from the otherfrom one limb than from the otherSymmetric transfer:Symmetric transfer: Bilateral transfer in Bilateral transfer in which the amount of transfer is similar from which the amount of transfer is similar from one limb to the other, regardless of which one limb to the other, regardless of which was used firstwas used firstIs the direction of bilateral transfer an Is the direction of bilateral transfer an important consideration?important consideration?Research shows support for asymmetric Research shows support for asymmetric transfer: transfer: Greater amount of transfer occurs Greater amount of transfer occurs from preferred to non-preferred limbfrom preferred to non-preferred limb

Why Does Bilateral Transfer Why Does Bilateral Transfer Occur?Occur?

Cognitive explanation:Cognitive explanation: Important cognitive Important cognitive information acquired from practice with one limb information acquired from practice with one limb and available when other limb begins to perform and available when other limb begins to perform Motor control explanation:Motor control explanation:

–The generalized motor program (GMP) and The generalized motor program (GMP) and dynamic pattern theories both provide a basis for dynamic pattern theories both provide a basis for bilateral transfer bilateral transfer

–Evidence from EMG activity in non-performing Evidence from EMG activity in non-performing contra-lateral limbcontra-lateral limb

Why Does Bilateral Transfer Why Does Bilateral Transfer Occur?Occur?

Cognitive explanation:Cognitive explanation: Important cognitive Important cognitive information acquired from practice with one limb information acquired from practice with one limb and available when other limb begins to perform and available when other limb begins to perform Motor control explanation:Motor control explanation:

–The generalized motor program (GMP) and The generalized motor program (GMP) and dynamic pattern theories both provide a basis for dynamic pattern theories both provide a basis for bilateral transfer bilateral transfer

–Evidence from EMG activity in non-performing Evidence from EMG activity in non-performing contra-lateral limbcontra-lateral limb