Differences in problem-solving strategies between expert and lesser problem solvers

One of the hallmarks of the differences between expert problem solvers and lesser problem solvers is spending time on understanding the deeper structure of the problem and matching a strategy to the problem type./nA study involving middle school math classrooms compared blocked practice (where students focus on one problem type at a time) to interleaved or mixed practice (where problem types are randomized)./nThe blocked practice group showed quick progress and felt successful, while the interleaved practice group initially experienced slower progress and more frustration./nHowever, when tested on applying their knowledge to new problems, the interleaved practice group significantly outperformed the blocked practice group, with an effect size comparable to improving a student's percentile from 50th to 80th.