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Generalization of learning: an essential consideration in early childhood education

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Abstract

Substantial research indicates that generalization of learning does not occur automatically and that special techniques are frequently required to promote skill generalization. Particular problems with generalization have been observed among readiness, preacademic, prerequisite, and generic skill training tasks that are common to early childhood curricula. The paper describes the nature of stimulus and response generalization, and identifies a number of related tasks that are commonly taught in early childhood programs. Related research evidence concerning generalization is reported. Recommendations for enhancing generalization are made.

Resumen

Una investigación a fondo indica que la generalización del aprendizaje no ocurre automáticamente y que las técnicas especiales son frecuentemente necesitadas para promover la generalización de las habilidades de aprendizaje. Se han observado problemas específicos con la generalización entre las tareas de entrenamiento a habilidades de preparación preacadémicas, de prerequisito y genéricas que son comunes en el programa de educación preescolar. El artículo describe el origen de la generalización de estímulo y respuesta e identifica un número de tareas relacionadas entre ellas que son comúmmente presentadas en los programas preescolares. Se presenta evidencia de estudios relacionados con éste que tratan de la generalización y se hacen recomendaciones.

Résumé

Une étude approfondie indique que la généralisation de l’apprentissage n’arrive pas automatiquement et qu’on requiert fréquemment de techniques spéciales afin de promouvoir la généralisation d’habiletés d’apprentissage. Des problèmes spécifiques en rapport à la généralisation ont été observés entre les tâches d’entraînement aux habilités de préparation préacadémiques, de prérequis et génériques qui sont communes au programme d’éducation préscolaire. L’article décrit la nature de la généralisation des stimuli et réponses et identifie un nombre de tâches reliées entre elles qui sont souvent présentées dans les programmes au préscolaire. Des résultats d’études en rapport à cette dernière sont présentés et des recommendations y sont apportées.

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Baine, D., Starr, E. Generalization of learning: an essential consideration in early childhood education. IJEC 23, 58–67 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174618

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