Which process improves learning by allowing one skill to aid in the acquisition of another?

The process that improves learning by allowing one skill to aid in the acquisition of another is known as the transfer of training. This concept refers to the phenomenon where skills, knowledge, or competencies acquired in one context enhance the learning or performance of related skills in a different context.

For example, if an individual learns to play the piano, this practice can facilitate learning to play the guitar due to the shared understanding of musical concepts such as rhythm, chords, and scales. This transfer can be positive, leading to improved performance, provided that the skills are related. Recognizing and maximizing the transfer of training is a key principle in educational and training environments, as it can lead to more effective learning outcomes and efficiency in skill acquisition.

The other principles, such as interference theory, focus on how competing information can hinder learning rather than aid it. Cognitive enhancement generally refers to the improvement of cognitive functions, and adaptive practice is about adjusting practice strategies to improve performance, but neither specifically highlights the positive transfer of skills from one area to another as effectively as the transfer of training does.