Question

What is the difference between near and far transfer?

Answer 1

Transfer of learning refers to applying learnt concepts to different situations. Near transfer is when the information learnt is applied to similar situations. For instance, a student learns a basic formula in algebra and is given a few problems to solve. The student tries to apply the formula learnt to all the other problems. Far transfer refers to when the concepts learnt are applied to situations which are dissimilar to prior learning. For instance, the same student who learnt the new algebra formula, applies the formula to a geometry solution.