TRANSFER THEORY

I learned a lot about transfer theory while viewing the video of Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Arterbury. In all of my educational experience, I have known of the need for a transfer of knowledge. In my teaching career, I was frustrated when a student did not transfer reading skills learned in reading class to social studies text, for example. My peers and I have discussed the need for better transfer for years. It seems to be a common issue among educators.
Transfer theory as it applies to this course, or any adult education process, is what goes on when a person uses the knowledge and skills, most of which are second nature, to build upon new knowledge. As I paraphrase the lecturers, transfer happens at a subconscious level when the new knowledge to be learned is similar to that of the earlier learned knowledge. A good example of this is managing a campus budget. A principal must know how to allocate funds for a campus in a fiscally sound manner. A superintendent must see a broader picture and must be able to fiscally manage the entire district. A new superintendent takes with him/her the skills learned on the campus level and adds vision and prioritizing that comes from having to see things on a grander scale.
Leadership experience is required when transitioning from a principal position to a superintendent position much as teaching experience is required before one can become a good lead teacher or principal. It is much like crawling before you walk. The knowledge and skills learned in the leadership role are necessary prior to taking on the management role of the superintendency. It is my opinion that the leadership experience acquired also gives credibility and respect to the superintendency. Ideally as a principal, a leader has earned a respect as well as acquired skills that enable him or her to handle any problem that comes their way. This carries over to the needed ability to respond to varied situations as a superintendent.