Interleaving: The Powerful Learning Technique You’re Not Using

Traditional learning methods often focus on blocked practice—mastering one skill before moving on to the next. But research suggests there’s a more effective way: interleaving.

Interleaving is a learning technique that involves mixing different types of problems, topics, or skills in a single study session.

Unlike blocked practice, where you focus on one subject at a time, interleaving forces your brain to constantly switch between different challenges. This method has been shown to improve retention, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.

In this article, we’ll explore what interleaving is, why it works, and how you can apply it to improve learning efficiency.

What Is Interleaving?

Interleaving is the process of mixing different but related topics, skills, or types of problems during learning. Instead of practicing one skill repeatedly before moving on, you alternate between different concepts within the same session.

For example, if you’re learning math, instead of solving 20 algebra problems before moving on to geometry, you might mix algebra, geometry, and calculus questions in the same session.

Interleaving vs. Blocked Practice

Example of Interleaving in Different Subjects

• Math: Instead of practicing 20 algebra equations in a row, mix algebra, trigonometry, and word problems.
• Language Learning: Instead of studying only vocabulary, mix reading, speaking, and writing exercises.
• Sports: Instead of repeating the same drill (e.g., shooting in basketball), practice shooting, dribbling, and passing in rotation.
• Music: Instead of practicing scales for an hour, mix scales, sight-reading, and improvisation.

Why Interleaving Works

Interleaving forces your brain to actively recall and distinguish between different types of information. This strengthens learning in several key ways:

1. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

Switching between topics forces your brain to think critically and adapt. You become better at recognizing patterns and applying the correct solution to different problems.

2. Improves Long-Term Retention

When you practice one topic repeatedly (blocked practice), it feels easy, but you’re not strengthening long-term recall. Interleaving makes retrieval harder, which actually reinforces learning.

3. Reduces the Illusion of Mastery

Blocked practice can create false confidence—you feel like you’ve mastered something because it’s fresh in your mind. Interleaving challenges you, making sure you actually understand and remember the material.

4. Mimics Real-World Application

In real life, problems don’t come neatly categorized. Interleaving prepares you for unpredictable challenges by training your brain to switch between concepts efficiently.

How to Implement Interleaving in Your Studies

1. Identify Related Topics

Interleaving works best when mixing related but distinct concepts. For example:

• Math: Algebra, geometry, and calculus.
• Science: Biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Language Learning: Vocabulary, grammar, and listening comprehension.
• Sports: Shooting, passing, and defense drills.

2. Create an Interleaved Study Schedule

Instead of dedicating a full study session to one subject, break it into smaller sections:

• Example (Traditional Schedule):
  • Monday: Algebra (2 hours)
  • Tuesday: Geometry (2 hours)
  • Wednesday: Trigonometry (2 hours)
• Example (Interleaved Schedule):
  • Monday: 40 minutes Algebra, 40 minutes Geometry, 40 minutes Trigonometry
  • Tuesday: 40 minutes Geometry, 40 minutes Trigonometry, 40 minutes Algebra

3. Use Different Problem Types

When studying, mix up the types of questions. For example, if you’re studying physics, solve problems on motion, energy, and forces in one session instead of separating them.

4. Test Yourself Regularly

Active recall strengthens memory. Instead of passively reviewing notes, quiz yourself on different topics within the same session.

5. Embrace the Challenge

Interleaving feels more difficult than blocked practice, but that’s the point. It forces your brain to work harder, which leads to stronger learning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mixing Completely Unrelated Topics

Interleaving works best when topics are related. Don’t mix unrelated subjects like physics and poetry in the same session—stick to similar concepts.

2. Not Giving Enough Time to Each Concept

Avoid switching too quickly between topics. Spend enough time on each before moving to the next (e.g., 30-40 minutes per topic).

3. Not Reviewing Regularly

Interleaving works best when combined with spaced repetition. Revisit concepts at increasing intervals to reinforce learning.

4. Quitting Too Soon

Interleaving feels harder than blocked practice, leading some to abandon it too soon. Stick with it—the benefits become clear over time.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Interleaving

Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of interleaving:

• Kornell & Bjork (2008) found that students who used interleaving performed better on tests than those who used blocked practice.
• Rohrer & Taylor (2007) showed that students learning math performed 25% better when using interleaved practice.
• Shea & Morgan (1979) found that athletes trained with interleaving retained skills better than those using blocked practice.

Despite these benefits, many schools and educators still rely on blocked practice because it feels easier, even though it’s less effective.

Conclusion

Interleaving is one of the most underused yet powerful learning techniques. By mixing related concepts within a single study session, you enhance problem-solving skills, improve long-term retention, and prepare for real-world challenges.

Although it may feel harder at first, it often leads to deeper learning and better mastery of material over time. Whether you’re a student, an athlete, or someone learning a new skill, incorporating interleaving into your study routine can help you learn faster, retain more, and perform better.