What is the concept of a spiral curriculum?

The concept of a spiral curriculum is rooted in the idea of revisiting fundamental concepts over time. This approach allows students to encounter the same ideas multiple times throughout their education, with each encounter taking place at increasingly complex levels. By returning to foundational topics, learners deepen their understanding and develop mastery through repeated exposure and more advanced applications.

This method acknowledges that learning is not simply about the initial presentation of concepts but includes the reinforcement and expansion of knowledge as students grow. As students advance in their studies, the curriculum builds on their prior knowledge, allowing them to make connections and see the relevance of previously learned material in new contexts. Ultimately, this fosters a more robust and integrated understanding of the subject matter, which is especially beneficial for gifted learners who may thrive in environments that support exploration and depth of knowledge.