Final answer:
Overlearning is studying material beyond the point of initial mastery, possibly enhancing recall and performance, though it can be time-consuming. It is distinct from habituation, which is getting used to a stimulus through repeated exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Overlearning does not actually refer to covering unnecessary material in a training program. Instead, overlearning pertains to the process of practicing or studying material beyond the point of initial mastery. Continuously working on particular skills or knowledge can lead to overlearning, which ensures the information or skill is firmly engrained and can be easily recalled or performed.
While overlearning can sometimes be beneficial, especially when you need to apply knowledge or skills under pressure, it can also potentially be inefficient, as it may use up time that could be spent learning new material. Furthermore, problems and tests may ask students to apply knowledge at the level of mastery, showing the value of overlearning in education.
However, habituation, a concept often confused with overlearning, is a form of learning where an individual gets accustomed to a stimulus after repeated exposure, mainly when the stimulus is annoying or frightening but not dangerous.