The concept of transfer of learning is not attributed to a single discoverer. Instead, it has evolved over centuries through the contributions of numerous thinkers and researchers.
Early philosophers like Plato and Aristotle explored the idea of how prior knowledge influences learning new concepts.
During the 19th century, Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted groundbreaking research on memory and forgetting, laying the foundation for understanding how past learning impacts future learning.
In the 20th century, psychologists like Edward Thorndike and John Dewey further developed the concept of transfer of learning, focusing on its application in educational settings.
Today, transfer of learning remains a central topic in educational psychology, cognitive science, and other fields, with ongoing research exploring its various aspects and practical applications.
Examples of transfer of learning:
* Learning to ride a bicycle helps with learning to ride a motorcycle.
* Learning to play the piano can improve musical skills in other instruments.
* Studying a foreign language can enhance vocabulary and grammar skills in another language.