Why do instructors use transitions to keep students' attention between portions of the lesson?

Instructors use transitions to maintain continuity and consistency in a lesson. Effective transitions help bridge the gap between different segments of instruction, ensuring that students can follow the flow of the lesson without feeling disjointed or confused. By providing clear and purposeful transitions, instructors can reinforce connections between concepts, maintain students' focus, and facilitate a smoother learning experience. This practice is crucial for keeping learners engaged, as it helps them understand how different parts of the lesson relate to one another and the overall topic at hand. Transitions can also signify shifts in focus or activity, making it easier for students to adjust their attention accordingly.

The other options might not address the primary purpose of transitions in the context of a lesson's flow and student engagement. While introducing new technology may be part of a lesson, it is not specifically related to maintaining attention through transitions. Changing the classroom layout can serve various purposes, but it does not directly contribute to the continuity of the lesson. Increasing lesson duration is generally not a goal of transitions; rather, instructors aim to be efficient and effective in their teaching time.