Investigated were two questions related to the acquisition and transfer of botanical classification skill by elementary science methods students. Data were collected from a sample of 89 students enrolled in methods courses. Sixty-two students served as the experimental sample, and 27 served as the control for the transfer portion of the research. In the classification skill development portion, the experimental group was taught over a 4-day period using a specifically designed instructional sequence. This included both training and components. An investigator-developed Twig Classification Test in two forms, one using actual specimens and the other using line drawings, was used. In the transfer portion of the study, both treatment and control groups were administered the Algae Classification Test to determine transfer effects of the instructional sequence on classification skill. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data. Treatment groups performed to a statistically significant degree better on the alternate forms instrument. The level of transfer of classification skill ability was also found to be statistically significant. (Author/EB)