Module 32
Interleaving Study Plan Builder
Mix subjects and problem types for deeper understanding and better transfer
Interleaving means mixing different topics, subjects, or problem types within a single study session instead of practicing one thing over and over (blocked practice). It feels harder — and that's the point. The effort of switching forces the brain to identify which strategy applies to which problem, building flexible, transferable knowledge. Research by Rohrer and Taylor (2007) found interleaving improved math performance by 43% compared to blocked practice on a delayed test.
Blocked vs. Interleaved Practice
Blocked (Less Effective)
- ✓20 addition problems in a row
- ✓Then 20 subtraction problems
- ✓Then 20 multiplication problems
- ✓Feels easier and more fluent
- ✓Performance LOOKS better during practice
- ✓But less is retained long-term
Interleaved (More Effective)
- ✗Addition, subtraction, multiplication mixed
- ✗Child must identify which operation to use
- ✗Constantly switching strategies
- ✗Feels harder and more frustrating
- ✗Performance LOOKS worse during practice
- ✗But significantly more is retained
Important
Interleaving feels less productive than blocked practice. Your child will complain. Their practice scores may drop. This is normal. The learning is happening beneath the surface. Trust the process.
How to Build an Interleaved Session
- 1Pick 3-4 topics or problem types from the same subject area
- 2Create or gather 4-5 practice items for each topic
- 3Shuffle them into a random order (literally mix the cards or problems)
- 4Work through the mixed set without grouping by type
- 5After each item, note which topic it belongs to — this forces discrimination
- 6Review errors by topic at the end to identify weak areas
Interleaving Schedule Template
Plan each study session with 3-4 interleaved subjects or topics. Rotate which subjects appear together to create variety.
| Time Block | Monday | Wednesday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block 1 (15 min) | Math: mixed operations | Science: mixed concepts | Reading: mixed genres |
| Block 2 (15 min) | Science: mixed concepts | Language: grammar + vocab | Math: word problems + equations |
| Block 3 (15 min) | Language: grammar + vocab | Math: fractions + decimals | Science: mixed review |
| Break (5 min) | Movement break | Movement break | Movement break |
| Block 4 (15 min) | Mixed review: all subjects | Mixed review: all subjects | Mixed review: all subjects |
Subject-Specific Interleaving Ideas
| Subject | Topics to Interleave |
|---|---|
| Math | Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division mixed in one problem set |
| Math (older) | Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios in one worksheet |
| Reading | Fiction and non-fiction passages alternated; different question types mixed |
| Science | Biology, chemistry, and physics concepts within the same review session |
| History | Different time periods or civilizations compared within one session |
| Music | Alternate between scales, songs, sight-reading, and rhythm exercises |
| Foreign language | Vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking rotated every 10 minutes |
Start interleaving only after initial learning has occurred. A child needs to understand each concept individually before mixing them. Use blocked practice to introduce new material, then switch to interleaved practice for review and reinforcement.
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