What type of transfer occurs when previous skills assist in learning new skills?

Proactive transfer refers to the situation where skills or knowledge acquired from previous experiences or practice positively influence the learning and performance of new skills. This type of transfer is particularly important in sports and physical activities, as it can help athletes build on existing abilities to enhance the learning process for related tasks. For example, if a golfer has developed a strong understanding of their swing mechanics, those mechanics can assist in adapting to different types of swings, such as those required in other sports.

In contrast, the other types of transfer focus on different dynamics. Reactive transfer is not a commonly recognized term in skill transfer studies. Negative transfer occurs when prior skills interfere with the learning of new skills, which is the opposite of proactive transfer. Contextual transfer emphasizes how learning occurs in different environments and situations but does not specifically address the concept of old skills aiding new skill acquisition like proactive transfer does. Understanding these distinctions helps in designing effective training programs that leverage previous experiences to enhance learning outcomes.