Interleaved Practice
Mixing different problem types or topics within the same practice session — counter-intuitively producing stronger learning than practising one type at a time.
Blocked versus interleaved
Blocked practice tackles one type of problem at a time — twenty multiplication questions, then twenty division questions. Interleaved practice mixes them — a multiplication, a division, a subtraction, in random order. Blocked practice feels easier and produces higher accuracy on the day. Interleaved practice feels harder but produces much better long-term performance.
Why it works
Interleaving forces the learner to identify which strategy applies to each problem. That selection skill is exactly what real-world maths and exam papers demand — but blocked practice never trains it. Children who only blocked-practise often freeze on mixed papers because the cue 'all of these are multiplication' is missing.
How it shows up at Yajur
Maths and language practice at Yajur Public School mixes problem types and skills within each session. Children may initially find this harder — that is the point. Over weeks, accuracy and confidence both rise. The Oxford International Curriculum's structure supports this by default.
Related terms
Spaced Repetition
A learning technique where material is reviewed at increasing intervals over time — proven by decades of research to dramatically improve long-term retention compared to cramming.
Retrieval Practice
The act of recalling information from memory — through quizzes, flashcards or open questions — which strengthens learning far more than rereading or highlighting.
Metacognition
Thinking about one's own thinking — being aware of how you learn, monitoring whether you understand, and adjusting your approach. One of the strongest predictors of academic success.