Book excerpt: Combining an accessible presentation of the underlying theory of transfer of learning which explains how to put theory into practice, this is a text which is relevant to 'teaching for transfer' in any professional or vocational context. The first part of the book looks at: * what transfer of learning means * how it operates * the implications for teaching * issues such as assessment, competence, outcomes. In the second part contributors present case studies from social work which show how specific teaching methods can be successfully used to make the maximum use of the student's previous experience. These include: * personal construct psychology * enquiry and action learning * intentional observation * critical incident analysis * reflective diaries * process recording * information technology. Information on each teaching method is presented in enough detail to allow the educator to go away and use it.