This document discusses several theories of transfer of learning, which refers to how learning one skill or concept affects performance in other areas. The main theories covered are the theory of mental discipline, identical elements theory, theory of generalization, and theory of configuration. The identical elements theory, proposed by Thorndike, states that transfer depends on the common elements between situations. Near and far transfer are also discussed, referring to applying skills in similar versus changing situations. Factors like learner ability, subject matter, attitudes, teaching methods, and environment can impact transfer. Modern perspectives view transfer through a metacognitive lens, focusing on learning how to learn and making connections between past and present learning.

1. When Learning in one situation
or one form of activity effects one’s
ability in other types of activity or
one’s performance in different
situations, this referred to as…
Richard Z. Zonio

7. • Theory of Mental Discipline
• Theory of Identical Elements
• Theory of Generalization
• Theory of Configuration

9. Thus, the training of the faculty
of memory through memorizing
nonsense syllables presumably
improves one’s memory for names,
meaningful material and, in fact, for
anything which calls for memory.

10. This theory holds that since
faculties supposedly
strengthened through mental
practice in much the same way
as muscles are strengthened
through physical exercise.

11. What do most psychologist
and professional educators
say of this theory today?

12. Memory – as a general
function is not improved by
strenuous memorization of
poetry.
Likewise, reasoning in fields
other than of mathematics is not
automatically improved by
studying algebra and geometry.

13. The identical elements, such
as content, method, aim or
attitude present in both
situations facilitate learning.
Theory of Identical Elements -
formulated by Thorndike maintains that
the amount of transfer depends upon
the identical elements or elements that
are common in both situations.

14. The best known and probably
the most influential theory to explain
transfer of learning is the near-
transfer vs. far-transfer.
Simply put, this theory implied
that transfer of learning would take
place only if two activities contained
similar or common elements.

15. Within this theory, near
transfer means that skills and
knowledge are applied in the
same manner each time the
knowledge and skills are used. An
example would be procedural
training, perhaps using a software
application to perform routine
tasks – creating documents in MS
Word.

16. Far transfer means that skills
and knowledge are applied in
situations that change. An example
of this will be perhaps understanding
the economic concepts associated
with how the stock market functions
and then analysing trends and
utilizing information to build a strong
portfolio.

17. It means that experiences
obtained in one situation are
applicable to other situations.
Theory of Generalization –
formulated by Charles H. Judd,
maintains that transfer is a form of
generalization which can be
encouraged by training.

18. It puts emphasis upon the
value to understand, organize,
and generalize specific
experiences.

19. Theory of Configuration –
is based on Gestalt Theory of
learning.
It holds that that transfer of
training from one situation to
another is the result of the
application of certain
principles of configuration.

20. Transfer implies that what is
learned in one situation can be
shifted directly to another
situation only when similarity (in
content, method, or attitude) of
the two situations is perceived
by the learner.

21. Post this theory; many new theories
have been propounded. From the Wikipedia,
here is a table, presenting different types of
transfer, as adapted from Schunk (2004, p.
220). All these theories distinguish transfer
into different types based on two parameters
– the similarity and difference between two
learning situations and the cognitive process
and mental analysis involved in the learning.

23. It is obvious that there are
certain significant factors that would
affect such transfer in school.
These factors are:
1. Mental ability of the learner
2. Nature of the subject matter
3. Attitudes and efforts of the learner
4. Manner of teaching
5. Learning environment

24. Increasingly, transfer of learning
is being discussed with a meta-
cognitive point of view. So, learning
from learning is perhaps more
important than learning itself! Sounds
strange but what it means is to allow
learners to think about learning and
therefore construct their own
connections between what has been
learnt in the past versus what is being
learnt in the present. It is about being
aware of your learning and taking
control of the same.

25. In that sense, when learners
manage their own learning and
are more self-aware, they
increase the accessibility of their
learning to be applied in situations
that occur in the future and help
themselves in transferring their
learning! In this context, our role
as teachers changes to helping
learners learn meta-cognition
skills and strategies! Interesting.

26. Thank You!!!