1. (Understanding) Define the terms positive transfer and negative transfer, then give an example of each.
2. (Analyze) Within your classroom, create a scenario in which transferring material from one subject to another is useful, and another scenario in which it is not.
1. Positive transfer refers to a phenomenon in which something a person has learned previously facilitates learning or performance at a posterior time.
ReplyDeleteExample: Learning how to write in block letters or printing facilitates the learning of cursive handwriting.
Negative transfer indicates a phenomenon in which something learned in the past interferes with learning or performance at a deferred time
Example: The impact of one’s mother tongue in the acquisition of a second language.
Some learners express difficulties in learning a new language because of the dominance of L1 in their cognitive system.
2. As a world language teacher, I often collaborate with my colleagues to create common unites for our mutual students. For example, when they study the French Revolution in World History class, we covered the same topic in French from another point of view, such as a unit on the city of Paris where the revolution started, or the famous writers of that era (Montesquieu, Robespierre…), or we create imaginary scenes related to the revolution…. I find this teamwork very beneficial in engaging students and provide them with meaningful activities.
According to my experience this type of collaboration might not work all the time.
For example the usage in French class of passages from a novel (or a movie) that has been used in English class may lack of relevance and meaning. It could foster students’ indifference to the presented material.
In my opinion, the first question may fall under the analysis category, as it requires providing examples to illustrate the definitions.
Regarding the second question, it seems to be more geared toward creation rather than analysis.