Connected instruction primarily emphasizes:

Connected instruction focuses on demonstrating how various concepts and skills relate to one another, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This instructional approach encourages students to see the interconnections between different topics, which can promote critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge in various contexts. By linking new information to existing knowledge, students are better able to integrate their learning, making it more meaningful and relevant to their lives and future learning experiences.

This connection of learned content helps students build a broader conceptual framework, enhancing retention and application of knowledge. As they learn to recognize these relationships, they also develop skills that are integral in advanced studies and real-world problem-solving. In contrast, other options focus on aspects such as independent learning, rote memorization, or narrow assessment, which do not encapsulate the holistic approach of connected instruction.