Transfer of Learning

Definition:

Transfer of learning is the process by which knowledge, skills, or strategies acquired in one context are applied to a different context. In language learning, transfer explains how (and whether) skills practiced in a classroom or study session carry over to real-world communication.

In-Depth Explanation

Transfer of learning is one of the oldest concepts in educational psychology, and it takes several forms:

Positive transfer: Prior learning helps performance in a new context. Reading extensively in Japanese builds vocabulary knowledge that transfers to listening comprehension — you recognize words aurally that you first learned through reading.

Negative transfer: Prior learning interferes with new learning. English speakers applying English word order to Japanese sentences (SVO instead of SOV) is negative transfer. This overlaps with the concept of L1 interference.

Near transfer: Applying learning to a very similar context. Practicing polite request forms with your tutor and then using them at a Japanese restaurant.

Far transfer: Applying learning to a dissimilar context. Learning to parse Japanese grammar structure and finding that it helps you understand Korean grammar (both SOV with similar particle systems).

The critical question for language learners is: does your study method produce transfer to real use? Research on transfer-appropriate processing suggests that the study activity must resemble the target activity. Studying vocabulary recognition flashcards transfers well to reading but poorly to speaking production. Practicing oral output transfers to speech. The training must match the target.

This principle has direct implications for tool selection. SRS tools that test recognition (see Japanese → select English meaning) produce narrow transfer to reading. Tools that test production (see English → produce Japanese) transfer better to speaking. Immersive listening practice transfers to conversation comprehension.

Related Terms

• Language Transfer
• L1 Interference
• Transfer-Appropriate Processing
• Skill Acquisition Theory
• Proceduralization

See Also

• Automaticity
• Sakubo

Research

• Perkins, D. N., & Salomon, G. (1992). Transfer of learning. In T. Husén & T. N. Postlethwaite (Eds.), International Encyclopedia of Education (2nd ed.). Pergamon Press. — Classic overview of transfer types and conditions.
• DeKeyser, R. M. (2007). Skill acquisition theory. In B. VanPatten & J. Williams (Eds.), Theories in Second Language Acquisition (pp. 97–113). — Connects transfer of learning to SLA via skill acquisition framework.