Several aspects contribute to continuity:
* Vertical articulation: This refers to the connections between different grade levels or courses within a subject area. For example, the concepts introduced in elementary school mathematics should seamlessly flow into middle and high school math, building complexity and depth gradually.
* Horizontal articulation: This refers to the connections between different subject areas within the same grade level or year. For instance, a history lesson on the Roman Empire could be connected to a Latin class or an art class focusing on Roman sculpture. This helps students see the interrelationships between different subjects.
* Scope and sequence: A well-defined scope and sequence outlines the specific topics and skills to be covered in a particular subject area, and the order in which they will be taught. This ensures that all essential learning goals are addressed and that the learning progression is logical and systematic.
* Spiral curriculum: This approach revisits and expands upon concepts and skills repeatedly throughout a student's education, gradually increasing complexity and depth each time. This helps students to build a deeper and more lasting understanding of important ideas.
Lack of continuity leads to fragmented learning, where students struggle to connect new information to prior knowledge, resulting in a weaker overall understanding and hindering their ability to apply what they've learned in new contexts. A continuous curriculum, on the other hand, fosters deeper learning, improved retention, and a more holistic educational experience.