Learning science

Interleaved learning: Mix topics for deeper understanding

Instead of practising the same topic over and over, we mix tasks from different subjects. Research shows this strengthens understanding and memory.

What is interleaved learning?

Traditional vs. interleaved session

See the difference between blocking one topic at a time and mixing topics for better long-term memory.

Traditional session

Same topic repeated

Fractions – exercise 1Maths
Fractions – exercise 2Maths
Fractions – exercise 3Maths
Fractions – exercise 4Maths
Fractions – exercise 5Maths

Mixed session

Topics mixed for deeper learning

FractionsMaths
Word classesEnglish
GeometryMaths
Reading comprehensionEnglish
StatisticsMaths
VARK integration

Adapted to your learning style

The content mix is automatically adapted to the pupil's VARK profile, so the variation feels natural and effective.

Visual

Diagrams and videos from different subjects are mixed in between exercises for visual variation.

Auditory

Audio instructions and read-aloud alternate between subjects so auditory pupils hear new perspectives.

Reading/Writing

Texts from multiple subjects are mixed so reading pupils practise transfer across topics.

Kinaesthetic

Hands-on exercises from 3–4 different topics alternate to keep the body engaged.

Adapted to year group

The mix grows with the pupil

Younger pupils get a light mix within one subject, while older pupils are challenged with full mixing across subjects.

Year 1–3

Light mix

Same subject, 2–3 topics. Simple content types with illustrations and easy exercises.

Example session:

Numbers to 20LettersShapes
Year 4–7

Moderate mix

2 subjects, 3–4 topics. VARK-adapted content mix with varied difficulty.

Example session:

FractionsGrammarGeometryWord classes
Year 8–13

Full mix

3+ subjects, 4–5 topics. Full variation across subjects and competence areas.

Example session:

EquationsAnalysisCell biologyGrammarStatistics

The research behind interleaving

Research by Rohrer & Taylor (2007) and Bjork (2011) shows that interleaving – mixing topics during practice – can improve test results by up to 43% compared with traditional block learning.

The effect is particularly strong when the pupil needs to distinguish between similar concepts, e.g. fractions vs. decimals or word classes in English.

Full control

You have full control over interleaved learning

Interleaved learning is voluntary. The pupil can switch it on themselves, but parents and teachers can always override the setting.

Pupil

Can switch interleaved learning on in their settings – unless a teacher or parent has switched it off.

Parent

Can switch interleaved learning on or off for their child. Overrides the pupil's own choice.

Teacher

Can manage the setting for individual pupils or the whole class at once.

Try interleaved learning today

Start free and experience how mixing topics leads to deeper understanding and better results.