Quick questions on Transfer of learning: WACE Physical Education Studies Unit 3

Positive transfer occurs when the learning or performance of one skill assists another, usually because the skills share similar movement patterns or perceptual demands. The overarm throw transfers positively to the tennis serve and the cricket bowl, because the underlying action is similar. Coaches deliberately use positive transfer by teaching a foundation skill that supports several sports.

Negative transfer occurs when one skill interferes with the learning or performance of another, often because two skills look similar but require a different response. A squash player may struggle with tennis because the wrist action differs, even though both use a racquet. Negative transfer is usually temporary and can be overcome with practice, but coaches manage it by being aware of which similar skills may interfere.

Zero transfer occurs when learning one skill has no effect, positive or negative, on another, because the skills are unrelated. Learning to swim has no real effect on learning to play chess. Recognising zero transfer matters because it warns against assuming that practising any activity will help an unrelated skill.

Bilateral transfer is the transfer of learning from one side of the body to the other, such as a player who can already kick well with the right foot learning to kick with the left more quickly than from scratch. Coaches use this to develop two sided players efficiently.