Why do instructors use transitions to maintain student attention during a lesson?

Instructors use transitions to maintain student attention during a lesson primarily because they help to provide continuity and consistency in the flow of information. Effective transitions signal to students that a new phase of the lesson is beginning, which can assist in keeping them engaged and focused. They make the learning experience feel cohesive rather than disjointed, allowing students to better understand how different concepts relate to one another.

By creating a sense of continuity, transitions help connect previous lessons to new material, reinforcing learning and aiding retention. This method can also prevent cognitive overload by clearly delineating parts of the instruction, making it easier for students to follow along with the progression of ideas.

While introducing new topics, creating engagement, and summarizing previous content are important elements of teaching, the specific role of transitions leans more toward fostering an ongoing flow, ensuring that students remain engaged throughout the lesson.