What is the main idea behind curriculum learning in machine learning?

The main idea behind curriculum learning in machine learning is to train models on progressively more complex tasks. This approach mimics human learning processes, where individuals often start with simpler concepts before advancing to more difficult ones. By following this structured progression, models can build foundational knowledge and skills that enable them to tackle more challenging tasks effectively.

Curriculum learning helps in improving the overall performance of machine learning models, as they can learn to handle easier examples first, which can enhance their understanding and, consequently, their ability to generalize when exposed to harder examples. This methodology contrasts with training on static tasks or random inputs, as it emphasizes a strategic, ordered approach to learning, which is critical for achieving better model robustness and performance.