How to Use Interleaving for Deeper Learning

Interleaving is becoming an increasingly popular teaching method. It involves learning multiple related concepts simultaneously while alternating between them. By switching between different topics or types of problems, interleaving is thought to promote the ability to discern key differences between concepts. In theory, it enhances your ability to apply and transfer knowledge to new and varied situations. 

Learn more about interleaving psychology and practical ways to use this method in your own learning.

What is interleaving?

To interleave something is to arrange it in alternate layers. Interleaving as a study method means learning more than one subject or skill and alternating between them. This is an alternative to "blocked practice," where you focus on a single subject for an extended period. 

For example, if you were learning multiplication, you might benefit from interleaving your multiplication practice with division practice. Studying the two together can help you better understand how numbers relate and illuminate the reciprocal relationship between multiplication and division.

According to cognitive psychologists, the brain learns to differentiate between alternating concepts, strengthening the learner’s memory. One study from the US showed that interleaving learning boosted students’ accuracy by 43 percent [1]. 

It can effectively study various subjects, including maths, art, language, music, learning physical movements for sports, and more. It mirrors the unpredictability of real-world situations, where businesses encounter diverse challenges and must devise innovative solutions that could benefit their careers. 

Interleaving vs blocking: What's the difference? 

Whereas interleaving involves cycling through multiple subjects to learn each one, blocking or “blocked practice” focuses on learning or practising one topic or skill at a time. Research from the US suggests that interleaving is more effective than blocking when learning problem-solving and categorisation skills. Said research also indicates that interleaving often results in more significant long-term retention and the ability to transfer knowledge to other subjects [2]. 

How to use interleaving to empower learning 

Whether studying for exams, learning a language, or practising the piano, you could benefit from interleaving. Let's look at a few ways you might leverage this technique to empower your learning, whatever it may look like:

• Mix practice problems: Instead of practising one type of problem or concept in isolation, mix different types of problems within the same practice session. For example, when studying maths, you could interleave problems related to algebra, geometry, and calculus to promote flexible thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Vary subjects: If you're studying for multiple exams or courses, try interleaving the subjects within your study sessions. For example, you could spend some time studying history, followed by chemistry, and then English literature. This can help reduce boredom and promote active engagement with the material.

• Blend skills: If you're learning a new skill, such as a musical instrument or a sport, consider interleaving different techniques or drills. For example, when practising guitar, you could alternate between chord progressions, scales, and fingerpicking exercises.

• Apply concepts: Interleave the study of theoretical concepts with practical applications. For example, after learning a physics concept, you could work on problems that require applying the concept to real-world scenarios. This can help deepen your understanding and enhance your ability to transfer knowledge.

• Incorporate review: Use interleaving to review previously learned material alongside new content. Revisiting older topics can reinforce your memory and make connections between different areas of knowledge.

• Customise your approach: Tailor the interleaving strategy to your own learning goals and preferences. For example, you might interleave within a single study session or alternate topics from one day to the next. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.

• Use study aids: Use revision cards, quizzes, or online learning platforms to facilitate interleaved practice. Many study tools allow you to shuffle questions or topics, making it easy to interleave your practice.

• Monitor progress: Track your progress and adjust your interleaving strategy as needed. If certain topics or skills require more attention, you can adjust your study schedule to allocate more time.

Can I use interleaving practices to study any subject? 

You can apply interleaving to many different subjects and practices. This method may be especially effective when learning maths, but you can apply the same methodology in science, economics, business, and beyond.

Researchers have also examined the effects of interleaving in physical activity. One study showed that participants who varied their practice of a physical task outperformed those who only practised in one specific way [3]. 

Musicians often use interleaving when learning music. When comparing interleaving and blocking in music practice, you are more likely to remember them when you practice pieces through interleaving than when using a block schedule. 

Choosing an interleaving pattern

You can cycle through your material randomly or systematically when using interleaving as a learning technique.

For example, consider intended subjects A, B, and C. When cycling randomly, you can swap through the subjects with no rhyme or reason (ACBAABAC). Should you choose to cycle through systematically, it may be helpful to follow any of these common patterns:

ABCABCABCABC: This schedule allows you to spend a short amount of time on each subject before moving on to the next.

AABBCCAABBCC: This schedule encourages you to spend more time on each subject before cycling through to the next.

AAABBBCCCABC: When following this schedule, you spend significant time studying each subject. After studying each subject once, you quickly review each again at the end of your study session.

Becoming a better learner 

Interleaving is a learning method where you study more than one skill or topic at a time, alternating between the two. As you explore new topics, tools like interleaving can help you create a studying cadence. Learn more about interleaving and other effective learning methods with Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects, offered on Coursera. This course from Deep Teaching Solutions covers actionable approaches to retain knowledge better, beat procrastination, and master tough subjects.