Knowledge learned in one context doesn’t automatically transfer to another. Teachers often assume students will apply what they’ve learned to new situations. Unfortunately, transfer rarely happens on its own. Without deliberate instruction, practice, and reflection, students may only recall knowledge within familiar settings. This is known as the “Transfer Illusion.” Example: In a biology class, students learn about ecosystems in a specific region. Later, during a field trip to a different area, they fail to apply the same concepts.
Barnett, S. M., & Ceci, S. J. (2002). When and where do we apply what we learn? A taxonomy for far transfer. Psychological Bulletin, 128(4), 612–637.
Perkins, D. N., & Salomon, G. (1992). Transfer of learning. International Encyclopedia of Education, 2, 6452–6457.
Lobato, J. (2006). Alternative perspectives on the transfer of learning: History, issues, and challenges for future research. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 15(4), 431–449.