The problem this solves
“I learn something in one place and can't use it in another. Why?”
Primary keyword: what is transfer of learning in real life
What you'll learn
- What transfer really is
- 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 Transfer and Lifelong Learning.
More articles in this module
- Make Knowledge Stick Across Subjects : transfer across subjects
- Why Generalists Are Better Learners : generalist vs specialist
- Lifelong Learning Without Burnout : lifelong learning
- A Learning Plan for the Next 10 Years : 10 year learning plan
- Build a Portfolio of Skills : skill portfolio