Interleaving, mixing different topics or problem types within a single study session, has been consistently supported by research to improve learning. Unlike the more familiar “blocked” approach, where one topic is studied repeatedly before moving to the next, an interleaved approach forces the brain to constantly switch between ideas. This might feel more difficult in the moment, but that challenge is exactly what makes it so effective.
But most of the early studies into the benefits of Interleaving focused on subjects like mathematics, where problem types can be clearly defined and measured.
This raises an important question: Does Interleaving work across all subjects? Let’s look at what the evidence says.
Interleaving in Maths
Maths is one of the most well-studied areas when it comes to Interleaving. Several studies have shown that simply rearranging the order of practice problems has been shown to enhance students’ retention of mathematical knowledge.
In one study, students practised different kinds of maths problems, such as calculating volumes of various shapes, either in a blocked format or an interleaved one. When tested a week later, students who used interleaved studying performed significantly better.
A larger, more recent study found similar results. Students who practised with interleaved assignments outperformed their peers on a surprise test given one month later, scoring an average of 61% compared to just 38% in the blocked group.
These improved test scores suggest that Interleaving doesn’t just help with memorisation; it helps students understand when and why to apply specific strategies. This flexible understanding, often missing in blocked practice, is the hallmark of deeper, transferable learning.
Interleaving in Science
The benefits of interleaved learning extend to the sciences as well. In physics, one study found that students who practised interleaved problem sets over eight weeks scored dramatically better on two surprise tests, with median improvements of 50% on the first test and a staggering 125% on the second. Not only did they recall more relevant information, but they were also better at applying it to unfamiliar problems.
A similar effect was observed in high school science classrooms. Students who took interleaved quizzes outperformed those who received blocked quizzes on a final test a month later, scoring 63% compared to 54%.
A similar effect was observed in high school science classrooms. Students who took interleaved quizzes outperformed those who received blocked quizzes on a final test a month later, scoring 63% compared to 54%.
Interleaving in Art
But the benefits aren’t just for STEM subjects: the principles of Interleaving also apply to more creative subjects. In a study on art history, students learnt to identify the distinct styles of 12 different painters. Some viewed each artist’s work grouped together (blocked), while others saw them in a mixed order (interleaved).
On a later test where they had to identify the artist of new paintings, students who had studied the interleaved group performed significantly better: they had 59% accuracy compared to just 36% for the blocked group. In other words, Interleaving helped students better recognise each artist’s unique style.
Interestingly, despite the better results, most students felt like blocked practice was more effective. This reflects a common illusion in learning: when something feels easy, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s effective. The same is true for other strategies like Retrieval Practice and Spaced repetition; they require more mental effort than cramming or rereading, but they lead to much stronger, longer-lasting results.
Interleaving in English
English learners can benefit from an interleaved approach too. In one study, adult learners practised different grammar topics, like verb tenses, by switching between them during study sessions instead of focusing on just one at a time.
The results showed that those who used interleaved practice did better at conjugating verbs, identifying tenses, and understanding how different tenses are used.
This suggests that Interleaving is useful not only when topics are similar but also when they vary in structure or meaning. It encourages deeper processing, which leads to more flexible and lasting language skills.
Interleaving in Other Subjects: PE and Foreign Languages
The positive impact of Interleaving has been observed in a variety of other subjects as well. In a classic physical education study, children were divided into two groups to practise a throwing task. One group practised throwing at a single, fixed target distance (blocked practice), while the other group practised on two different target distances (varied practice). But by the end of the program, the group that had practised with varied targets significantly outperformed the other. This suggests that mixing up practice, rather than repeating the same exact task, helps learners build more adaptable motor skills.
Foreign language learning also benefits from Interleaving. Studies show that mixing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation exercises helps learners retain information more effectively. One study on Spanish verb conjugations, for instance, found that interleaved studying led to significantly better outcomes than blocked practice.
Final thoughts
So, does Interleaving help in different subjects? Absolutely. From mathematics and science lessons to art, language, and even physical skills, Interleaving has shown to be a powerful and versatile learning strategy. It might feel more demanding in the moment, but that extra effort pays off, leading to stronger memory, deeper understanding and better transfer of knowledge across contexts.
