Continuums are according to Wikipedia:

"anything that goes through a gradual transition from one condition, to a different condition, without any abrupt changes"

Using physical continuums are excellent for showing classes that some things are not as simple as black and white; that some questions have several answers or that a concept can be evaluated in many ways. Take a look at this history example: The Protest Continuum (modified from a fantastic activity by Terry Haydn)

Instructions for using continuums

The rational behind this activity was to allow students time to reflect about the nature of protest and consider where each one would go on a continuum from Extremely Violent to Peaceful.

• Hand out one card/sheet per student
• Explain the task/question
• Inform them that they must place themselves on the continuum
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Simple! Students will spend some time discussing whether or not an item e.g. hunger strike ought to be peaceful as it will have an impact on the person's health as well as the immediate surrounding i.e. family members etc. Allow them time to organise themselves and then ask each one (or pick a few depending on the size of the continuum) to explain their choice.

There are lots of different example sof how to use this Active Learning technique e.g. set up a continuum of Agree --- Disagree and then play the class a selection of video clips which they have to respond to; or read a passage from a book after which students have to decide how the key characters have been represented by the author.

Physical continuums are excellent tools as they challenge students to think on their feet, collaborate, argue their case and evaluate difficult issues. Can you think of other ways of using them with your classes - in different subjects? Please share your practice with us by posting a comment to this page, just click Add Comment below (after registering ).