18BPY065 Meaning and Definitions of Transfer of Training:
It is common belief that training in one subject is transferred to another
subject. If we study mathematics, the logical reasoning developed in solving complex mathematical problems is so developed that it is utilised in other situation.
It is again generally said that study of science develops scientific spirit, the teaching of grammar develops discipline of mind, music develops aesthetic sense and cricket develops sportsmanship in every walk of life.
All these common beliefs are subject of scientific discussion. In case these beliefs are correct, many of our educational practices are sound. Then we say that transfer of training takes place from one subject to another. Thus if the training in one act is transferred to another, we say transfer has taken place.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS Skinner: “Transfer of training is concerned with the question of whether or not the learning of material A-say Mathematics – aids, hinders or does not affect the subsequent learning of material B – say Physics or Chemistry.
W.B. Kolesnik: “Transfer is the application of carry over the knowledge’s, skills, habits, attitudes or other responses from the situation in which they are initially acquired to some other situation.”
Peterson: “Transfer is generalization for it is extension of ideas to a new field.”
Hilgard Atkinson Atkinson:
(Introduction to Psychology)” The influence that learning one task, may have on the subsequent learning of another is called transfer of learning.”
Guthrie & Others:“Transfer may be defined as a process of extending and
applying behaviour.” Types of Transfer: On the basis of magnitude or quality, it is of three types-positive, zero and negative.
Positive Transfer: In this case, the past learning of one subject or activity facilitates the learning of another subject or activity. A sportsman playing football plays volley-ball as nicely. A bus-driver can drive a truck also equally efficiently.
Zero Transfer: In this case, the learning of one subject does help the learning of another. There may be zero transfer between language and mathematics.
Negative Transfer: Herein learning of one task makes the learning of a second task harder. Learning shorthand by Danton method may cause interference in subsequent learning by Pitman method. The negative transfer is also called habit interferences.
One form of positive transfer is bilateral transfer or cross-transfer. Practice
in using right hand while handling a machine in the factory may help handling by the left hand. Cognitive Theory
Cognitive Theory is a modern theory as compared to the alternative
theories of the transfer of training.
According to this theory, the pace and the effectiveness of the process of transferring the training can greatly be increased by focusing on the individuals’ mental models, retention of information and comprehension.
Moreover, the main point that makes it to perceived differently from other transfer theories is its extreme level applicability under, almost, all kinds of situations.
You can get an idea of the application of the cognitive theory by thinking about recent integrations of the training process to that of the mental tasks and assignments.
This is done so that learner employees can become able to learn the primary concepts of the training program through experiencing the mental problems that they are going to solve in their chosen way.
It is a more recent theory compared to alternative theories of training
transfer is based on the assumption that focus on individual’s mental models, comprehension and retention of information is a matter of significant importance in terms of increasing the levels of training transfer. A popular example for the use of cognitive approach in training programs relates to the integration of mental tasks and challenges with the training process, so that program participants learn the core principles of the training program though solving those mental tasks and challenges. A high level of applicability of cognitive theory to all types of training programs is the main advantage of the theory.
