The problem this solves
“I understand topic A but I can't use it to solve topic B.”
Primary keyword: transfer of learning
What you'll learn
- What 'transfer' actually means
- Why most learning fails to transfer
- Three habits that build transfer
- A two-week transfer diary
The science behind it: Transfer of Learning
Transfer is the ability to apply what you have learned in one context to a different context (the goal of most learning beyond passing a test).
Why it matters
Most education fails at transfer: people pass exams then cannot apply the underlying skill in new settings. Designing for transfer closes that gap.
How to apply it
- Practice the underlying principle across multiple contexts, not just the original example.
- Abstract the principle in your own words and ask where else it applies.
- Test yourself on novel problems that require the same principle.
Common mistakes
- Assuming that having learned something means you can use it.
- Practising only the original example without varied contexts.
- Treating transfer as automatic rather than as something to design for.
Read the full concept: Transfer of Learning.
Where this fits
Part of module Depth and Understanding.
More articles in this module
- Surface Learning vs. Deep Learning : surface vs deep learning
- Build Mental Models of Hard Topics : mental models learning
- Learn Anything With Analogy : analogy learning
- The Wrong Analogy Trap : wrong analogy
- Elaborate on a Textbook Chapter in 20 Minutes : elaboration chapter