Transfer+Theory+of+Learning

Transfer learning occurs when one has such in-depth knowledge or skills that when faced with a new, but similar, learning situation/task they are able apply those skills, or that knowledge, to be successful. A carpenter might use transfer learning if he/she were accustomed to using a table saw to create a dado on a board but in the absence of that tool discovers that he may also use a router with guide. Transfer learning is essential to problem solving. I have often used this idea when discussing the importance of an education to students. I ask students if they have a route that they follow to get home. Most often they do and I then ask that if a particular road were closed could they still make it home. They usually respond that there some other streets they could take. When asked how they knew about alternate routes most say they “just found it”. What they have actually done is take previous knowledge of roads, paths, direction, etc. and applied, or transferred, that new solving a new problem or learning new task. I ask students to think of the brain as a roadmap. Every learning experience creates new roads on the map that will help them find their way to a solution for new problems and tasks. The majority of my professional experience in education has involved teaching science and coaching. All of my experiences have influenced my growth as an educator. The administrative experience gained as an athletics/director/head football coach created a fantastic avenue for the transfer of knowledge and skills beneficial to me first as an assistant principal and now principal. Our growth in the superintendent certification program will be enhanced by the administrative experiences that have shaped us professionally and enhances the transfer of entry level administrative knowledge to a better understanding of central office dynamics. This will allow that growth to be entrenched in depth for a foundation on which we may build to reach greater heights.