Definition 1 of 2
Plain English Meaning
Interference is when one thing a student has learned gets in the way of learning or remembering something else. Old habits can confuse new lessons, and new lessons can push out older ones.
Full Definition
In learning theory, interference is the disruption of memory or skill performance that occurs when prior learning blocks the acquisition of new material, or when new learning disrupts what was previously learned. It is one of the principal causes of forgetting and degraded recall in flight training.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instruction discussions about learning, memory, habit patterns, and training in a new aircraft or procedure.
Derivation
From the Latin 'interferire,' meaning 'to strike against.' In learning, one set of knowledge literally 'strikes against' another and disrupts it.