A simple definition of interleaving is strategically alternating studying/teaching different skills, as opposed to “blocking,” which is focusing on one skill at a time.

Scientific American has an accessible article about it titled The Interleaving Effect: Mixing It Up Boosts Learning.

A new study just came out claiming HUGE benefits to using it in math class, and I’ve embedded several tweets about it below.

I’m wondering if anyone out there has specifically tried applying it when teaching English to English Language Learners and, if so, what did it look like and how did it go? I haven’t been able to find anything related to ELLs online.

Please let me know – I’m all ears!

 

Here are some answers I received to this question on Twitter:

How to get interleaving wrong: In our new online course we’ve worked hard to provide not just examples but also non-examples and lethal mutations. Find out more: www.academica-group.com/en/how-teach…

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— Carl Hendrick (@carlhendrick.substack.com) February 21, 2025 at 10:50 PM

carlhendrick.substack.com/p/interleavi…

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— Carl Hendrick (@carlhendrick.substack.com) February 22, 2025 at 12:47 AM

Interleaving practice can surpass blocked practice in improving learning outcomes. A study from 2022 provides an easy to understand and apply example for the classroom implementation.

https://theeffortfuleducator.com/2025/03/10/easy-application-of-interleaving-in-the-classroom/

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— Blake Harvard (@blakeharvard.bsky.social) March 9, 2025 at 10:20 PM