Interleaving Practice: Why Mixing Subjects Improves Retention

📅 Published Oct 11th, 2025

Ever feel like you're studying for hours but still struggling to remember everything? There's a study technique that might just change the game: interleaving practice. It's all about mixing up your study topics, and it's backed by some serious cognitive science. Forget spending endless hours on one subject. Interleaving encourages you to switch between different areas, leading to stronger memory and a real understanding of the material.

What is Interleaving Practice?

Interleaving practice is a study technique where you mix different topics or subjects during a study session, instead of hammering away at one thing at a time (also known as blocked practice). Think of it like shuffling a deck of cards, but for your brain! Instead of dedicating all your time to chapter 1, then chapter 2, try studying a bit from chapter 1, then a bit from chapter 2, then chapter 3, and so on. Get it?

Why does this work? Well, the cognitive science behind it is pretty cool. It forces your brain to work harder, actively retrieving information, figuring out the differences between concepts, and spotting patterns. This active engagement strengthens those brain connections and helps you remember things for the long haul.

The benefits of interleaving practice? Huge. It doesn't just boost long-term memory; it also makes you better at applying what you've learned to new situations. That means you'll be better prepared for exams and real-world scenarios.

The Science of Interleaving: How It Works

Interleaving throws challenges at your brain that blocked practice simply doesn't. When you jump between topics, your brain has to actively pull information from memory, instead of just passively soaking it in. This active retrieval strengthens memory and makes it stick around longer.

It also sharpens your ability to tell things apart and recognize patterns. By comparing and contrasting different ideas, you become better at distinguishing between them and seeing the bigger picture. This leads to a much deeper, more nuanced understanding of the subject.

Tons of research backs this up. One study, published in the Applied Cognitive Psychology journal, showed that students who used interleaving aced the final exam compared to those who stuck to blocked practice. Want to dive deeper? Check out this Edutopia article on Interleaving.

Interleaving vs. Blocking: Understanding the Difference

The main difference boils down to how you structure your study sessions. Blocked practice is all about focusing on one topic for a long time before moving on. It might seem like the most obvious way to go, but it can trick you into thinking you know more than you actually do.

Interleaving, on the other hand, mixes things up within the same study session. Your brain has to constantly switch gears and retrieve information, making the learning process tougher, but way more effective.

Blocked practice might feel easier at first, but it's not great for long-term learning. Your brain gets too comfortable and doesn't have to work as hard. Interleaving keeps your brain alert and promotes deeper learning.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

• Math:
  • Blocked: Spending all day just doing algebra problems.
  • Interleaved: Switching between algebra, geometry, and calculus problems.
• Science:
  • Blocked: Spending a whole week studying Biology chapters.
  • Interleaved: Bouncing between biology, chemistry, and physics concepts during a single study session.
• Language Learning:
  • Blocked: Hours spent memorizing vocabulary lists.
  • Interleaved: Switching between grammar exercises, vocabulary drills, and conversation practice.

How to Implement Interleaving in Your Study Routine

Adding interleaving to your routine is easier than you think. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Find related subjects or topics: Look for areas that have common ideas or principles.
• Create a study schedule that mixes them up: Instead of dedicating whole days to one subject, break your study time into smaller chunks and alternate between different areas.
• Practice recalling information from different topics in the same session: When you switch to a new topic, try to remember what you learned in the previous one.
• Structure study sessions: Start with a quick review of what you studied before before diving into new content. This helps you connect the dots.
• Review and tweak as needed: Pay attention to how you're feeling and adjust your schedule. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break or switch to a different topic.

And don't forget how important Sleep and Studying is for locking in those memories.

Benefits of Interleaving Practice

The advantages of interleaving practice go way beyond just better test scores. Here are some key perks:

• You'll remember things for longer: By actively retrieving information, you're strengthening brain connections and making learning stick.
• You'll be better at applying what you learn: By comparing and contrasting different ideas, you'll be able to use what you've learned in exams and real-world situations.
• You'll boost your problem-solving and critical thinking skills: Interleaving encourages you to think outside the box, which can improve your problem-solving and critical thinking.
• You'll feel more confident and motivated: As you see the benefits of interleaving, you'll feel more confident in your ability to learn and master new stuff.

Combine interleaving with the Feynman Technique for even more powerful learning.

Examples of Interleaving in Different Subjects

Let's get into the specifics of how interleaving can be used in different subjects:

• Math: Instead of spending a whole study session on algebra, throw in some geometry and calculus problems. This will help you see how different math concepts connect and improve your problem-solving abilities.
• Science: Switch between studying biology, chemistry, and physics. This will help you get a more well-rounded understanding of the natural world.
• Language Learning: Mix grammar exercises, vocabulary drills, and conversation practice. This will help you become more fluent and confident in your language skills. Consider using the Blurting Method to boost your understanding.

For more resources, check out Retrieval Practice: Interleaving.

Overcoming Challenges with Interleaving

Interleaving is a great technique, but it can be tough at first. Here are some tips for getting through the initial challenges:

• It's okay to feel frustrated: It's normal to feel a little lost when you first start interleaving. Just remember that the struggle is part of the learning process.
• Manage your brainpower: Break your study sessions into smaller chunks and take breaks. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
• Stay motivated: Set realistic goals and reward yourself when you make progress. Find a study buddy to keep you on track. Interleaving can be even more effective when combined with Deep Work sessions.

Embrace the challenge of interleaving practice, and you'll unlock a more effective and satisfying way to learn.