Thursday, December 30, 2010

Mastery vs Spiral vs Incremental Approach to Homeschooling


I admit to having never heard these terms before we started homeschooling. I figured all curriculums were pretty much the same at the core. I was wrong. They are very different approaches. I hope that this post gives you some insight as to which approach might be more appropriate for your child(ren). Both of these approaches can be found in all subjects, but are more likely to be brought up in the context of math(although can apply to language arts as well) so that is where I will focus when writing this blog post.


What is the Mastery Approach?

The idea behind the mastery approach is simply, that in order for a child to have a firm grasp on a concept in order to be able to do more advanced concepts. Therefore, specific topic (ie...adding single digit numbers) is taught until that skill is mastered. You might also see this labeled as sequential learning.

What is the Spiral Approach?

The spiral approach is what we most commonly see used in "brick and mortar" schools. This style of curricula is based on the idea that the student will learn through repetition. Topics are taught once and then you move on. The next lesson will review the previous concept(s) while also introducing the new one, thus, building on to each lesson. Generally, a wider variety of concepts can be covered when using this method over a mastery approach.

What about Incremental Curriculums?

These curriculums are basically in the middle. They present new material, but still give plenty of time to master the material before moving on to the next topic.

Which is better?

Like most topics regarding children, the short answer is, whatever works for your child. Some children are able to pick up on topics and are ready to move on quickly. Spiral curriculums allow for a faster pace and will definitely keep your child from getting bored with topics they have already mastered. Some children require more time and do better when they are able to focus on one topic at a time. Some need a bit of both. I suspect most benefit from a mixture of more than one approach. For example in our house we use a mastery approach to math and a spiral approach with language arts. It's what works for us.

What are Some Mastery Curriculums?

Math U See

Singapore

What are Some Spiral Curriculums?

Abeka

Analytical Grammar

Rod and Staff

What are Some Incremental Curriculums?

Saxon

Horizons

I have only used a few of these curriculums. We settled on Math U See for our math and Abeka for our language arts. There are reviews to just about every curriculum available on Homeschool Review, so be sure to check it out before you buy!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

It's the best time and energy make a few plans for the longer term and it's time for it to feel happy.
I have study this put up of course , if I could I
wish To suggest you some interesting issues or suggestions.
Possibly you could write next articles referring to the next few paragraphs.
I want to read a lot more issues around it!
Also visit my page ... http://www.fishingspain.net/

Anonymous said...

My partner and I stumbled up here from a different website
and thought to myself should check things away. I like what I see hence today i'm following you. Are excited to be looking at your online page yet again.
My web page - www.murciaproperty.net

Anonymous said...

A countless thanks for all of your effort about this web
site. Betty enjoys making time for investigation and it's to be able to see why. Most people learn all about the dynamic mode you offer helpful guidelines via this blog and also strongly encourage contribution from different individuals on the subject as well as our own child is now becoming educated a whole lot. Spend playtime with the rest of the new year. You could be always performing a useful job.
My page - http://www.illegalvillasspain.com/

Anonymous said...

The next time I learn a blog site, I hope it doesnt disappoint me as a lot because this one.
I suggest, I know this was my option to study, but I really
thought youd have one thing interesting to pronounce.
What I notice definitely a couple of complaining
about anything that you would repair if you werent too
busy searching for attention.
Have a look at my homepage ... Mortalonline.Com

Anonymous said...

Excellent post. I was checking continuously this web log and I'm inspired! Very helpful information specifically the final part :) I be aware of such information much. I was looking for this unique info to a very long time. Say thanks a ton and better of luck.
Visit my page cuspid

Anonymous said...

Hey there just would like to provide you with a quick heads up and
allow you to know a some of the images aren't loading properly. That's not me certain why but
I think its a linking factor. I've performed it in 2 different browsers and both show only one results.
Feel free to surf my web page ; http://www.Barcelonareporter.com

Anonymous said...

F*ckin’ tremendous issues here. I’m very glad to peer your article.

Thank you extremely much and I am looking forward to
contact you. Will you please drop us a e-mail?
My web-site www.globalbusinessweblinks.com

Anonymous said...

Are you focused on swapping links?
Also see my site - nerja spain accuweather

Anonymous said...

My pal suggested I might in this way blog site. He was totally
correct. This post actually produced my day.

You can not figure just what amount time I had invested for this particular
info! Thanks!
Visit my site : [TrackBack]

Anonymous said...

Somebody necessarily assist to make severely posts I would state.

That is the very first time I

frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with
the

research you made to make this particular publish incredible.
Excellent job!
Also visit my web-site ; Full Statement

Anonymous said...

Helpful info. Fortunate me I discovered your site

unintentionally, and I'm shocked why this accident did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
Visit my homepage :: http://www.villasspainproperty.com/

Anonymous said...

Hello there, simply became alert to your blog

through Google, and found that it's really informative. I am gonna

watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful in

case you continue this in future. Numerous folks shall be benefited

out of your writing. Cheers!
My web page: http://watermay.pixnet.net/blog/post/22141128

Anonymous said...

This is very interesting, You're an excessively professional blogger. I've joined your feed and look forward to looking for extra of your fantastic post.

Additionally, I've shared your web site in

my social networks!
My site : spanish american war uniform reproductions

Anonymous said...

Please let me know if you're looking for a writer for your weblog. You

have some really great posts and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take

some of the load off, I'd love to write some material for your blog in

exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested.
Thanks!
Also see my site > banco