Interleaving Technique

Interleaving is a study method that mixes different topics or types of problems within a single study session. This method helps prevent boredom and brain fatigue from studying the same concept in a single study session for too long, also known as the blocking study method (studying a single topic or problem extensively before moving on to the next). Interleaving is most effective once you have familiarized yourself with a particular topic and less so if you are trying to understand something for the first time. This Success Tool works best when used with the Pomodoro Study Method (pdf or html).

Pomodoro works best when topics have natural connections and are not radically different. The main goal of Pomodor is to build mutliple pathways to information. The more connections we can make to information, the easier time we have at rretrieving it.

Instructions

  1. Determine the 2-4 topics or types of problems for your study session that you want to focus on. Gather all your materials.
  2. Use the Pomodoro Method to set the timeframe for which you are going to study each topic or problem chosen.
  3. Engage with one topic or problem for 1-2 Pomodoro intervals (25 minutes) and then take a short break (5 minutes).
  4. Repeat Step 3 switching the topic or problem after every 1-2 Pomodoro intervals.

Illistration

  • Traditional (Block) Study Method

    • Block 1
      • Topic 1
    • Block 2
      • Topic 2
    • Block 3
      • Topic 3
    • Block 4
      • Topic 4

  • Interleaving Method

    • Block 1
      • Topic 1
      • Topic 2
      • Topic 3
      • Topic 4
    • Block 2
      • Topic 1
      • Topic 2
      • Topic 3
      • Topic 4
    • Block 3
      • Topic 1
      • Topic 2
      • Topic 3
      • Topic 4
    • Block 4
      • Topic 1
      • Topic 2
      • Topic 3
      • Topic 4

This tool is also available as a pdf.