Correct Answer:
B. Higher complexity
The spiral curriculum, a concept popularized by Jerome Bruner, is an educational approach where key concepts are introduced early in the curriculum and then revisited repeatedly over successive years. The defining characteristic of this method is how these topics are revisited.
- A spiral curriculum revisits topics at higher complexity (B). Each time a topic is revisited, it is explored in greater depth, with more sophisticated details, and often in new contexts. This allows students to build upon their prior knowledge, reinforce understanding, and develop a more comprehensive and nuanced grasp of the subject matter over time.
- Revisiting topics at the same level (A) would be redundant and would not promote deeper learning.
- A random order (C) contradicts the structured and progressive nature of a spiral curriculum.
- While topics are revisited over a fixed time (D) period (e.g., annually), the core principle is the increasing complexity, not merely the timing.
This progressive revisiting ensures continuous learning and mastery.