Do skills transfer?: an empirical study

This empirical study looks at the question of skill transfer between different contexts. A review of the literature outlines the various positions taken in the debate that centres on whether generic skills/competencies learned in the classroom and required for success in the workplace will transfer to other areas. The research methodology section outlines the aim of the study and the research tasks to be completed by students. Results from initial and transfer tasks are analysed and compared for all participants, for males and females and for students of different levels of mathematical achievement. The major finding of the study was that skill transfer was produced by better initial skill acquisition. It supports the already acknowledged importance of initial learning and skill acquisition in transfer. The implications for vocational education and training are also raised.