Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Maximising Learning with Interleaved Practice in Maths
Jan 18, 2025
John Jackson and Emma Lindley-Thompson, co-authors of "Helping Pupils Learn Maths" and experts in mathematics education, delve into the transformative power of interleaved practice. They discuss how interleaving various mathematical concepts enhances student engagement and retention. The duo shares practical strategies for classroom implementation, addressing common misconceptions about the approach, and highlights the implications of cognitive science in teaching. Their insights aim to empower educators to improve learning outcomes effectively.
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Interleaved Practice Boosts Retention
- Interleaved practice mixes different problem types instead of practicing one type repeatedly.
- This approach significantly boosts long-term retention and problem-solving skills in math.
Interleaving Enhances Cognitive Flexibility
- Interleaving links multiple cognitive science principles like spacing, retrieval, and desirable difficulty.
- It encourages pupils to select strategies, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Start Small with Adapted Resources
- Start with existing questions and adapt them into interleaved worksheets; avoid spending too much time creating new resources.
- Provide feedback promptly and don’t rely solely on homework for interleaving practice to maximize its effectiveness.
