High School Chemistry Curricular Redesign: The Spiral Curriculum

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to highlight the effectiveness of interleaved practice, commonly referred to as the Spiral Curriculum. Embedded in interleaved practice is the process of forgetting. The robust body of research that serves as the foundation for this project supports the idea that randomized presentation of material that students have had previous exposure to fosters stronger learning. Students that experience an interleaved curriculum show more success with retention of concepts than students who receive blocked or repetitive instruction. This project outlines a Spiral Curriculum in a high school chemistry classroom. It includes lesson plans, assessments, and activity rationales that serve as a guide for prospective teachers to adopt this practice.