Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a rut when studying? Repeatedly reviewing the same topic until you are so bored you start to zone out? Alternatively, you may have noticed that no matter how much you focus on one subject at a time, it still feels like the knowledge is not sticking.
If this describes you, then the interleaving method might be the perfect study approach to break up the monotony and enhance your ability to retain and apply what you have learned.
Let’s dive into how interleaving works and why it might boost your study routine.
What is the interleaving method?
In its simplest form, interleaving is the practice of mixing up different topics or types of problems in a single study session rather than focusing on just one subject for an extended period. Rather than “blocking” your study time into one topic (for example, dedicating an afternoon to just pharmacology revision), interleaving encourages you to rotate between different subjects or problem types.
For example, if you are preparing for the MRCEM primary exam, instead of spending a day studying respiratory physiology, you could switch between respiratory physiology, anatomy, and pathology. The process of switching challenges your brain to continuously adapt and keeps it from getting too comfortable, leading to deeper learning.
Why does interleaving work?
Interleaving works because it prevents your brain from falling into autopilot mode. When you stick with one topic for too long, you rely on short-term memory, which does not lead to long-lasting retention. However, when you switch between different topics or types of questions, your brain must constantly work to retrieve the correct information, reinforcing neural connections.
It is similar to how athletes cross-train. By engaging different muscle groups and varying their routines, they become more versatile and improve overall performance. In the same way, interleaving forces your brain to work harder, strengthening your ability to recall and apply knowledge in different contexts.
How to use interleaving in your study routine
This is how you can get started with interleaving in your study sessions:
- Mix subjects or problem types: Instead of dedicating long blocks of time to one subject, mix it up! For example, you might spend 30 minutes reviewing your anatomy flashcards, then switch to practising pharmacology questions for another 30 minutes, followed by reviewing clinical case studies. This variety forces your brain to adjust and retrieve different information continually.
- Combine it with active recall: Interleaving works even better when combined with active recall – quizzing yourself or testing your knowledge. Rather than just passively reading or highlighting, try to answer questions or solve problems from different topics. This will force you to pull information from memory, making the learning process more effective.
- Plan your study sessions: To make interleaving work best for you, plan your study schedule in advance. Map out the different subjects you want to cover and how often you will switch between them. You could interleave two or three topics in a single study session, gradually increasing the complexity as you go.
- Don’t fear the discomfort: At first, interleaving might feel more difficult than simply blocking one subject at a time. That is actually a good sign! The challenge of switching between topics indicates that your brain is working harder, which ultimately leads to better long-term retention.
Interleaving vs. blocked practice: What’s the difference?
Let us compare interleaving to a more traditional study method – blocked practice. Blocked practice involves focusing on one topic or skill for an extended period before moving on to the next. This is how most of us were taught to study growing up: hours spent on one subject, trying to master it before switching to something different.
However, blocked practice can lead to something called “fluency illusion” – a false sense of mastery. When deeply immersed in one topic, it can feel like you are mastering it, but that is often short-lived. Once you move on to the next subject, much of that information can slip away because your brain does not need to work hard to retain it.
By comparison, interleaving introduces the concept of “desirable difficulties” – small challenges that make learning harder in the moment but strengthen memory in the long run.
Benefits of the interleaving method
The benefits of using the interleaving method include:
- Better Retention: By forcing your brain to switch gears between different topics, interleaving strengthens your long-term retention of information. You will have a much easier time recalling material in exams or real-world situations.
- Greater flexibility: Interleaving helps you become more adaptable. When you switch between topics or problem types, you are training your brain to apply knowledge in various contexts. This is especially useful in fields like medicine, where you need to integrate multiple disciplines in clinical settings.
- Avoiding burnout: Sticking with one topic for hours on end can be mentally exhausting. Interleaving keeps things fresh by breaking up the monotony of studying. You will find it easier to stay engaged and focused when your brain is constantly stimulated with new material.
Customising interleaving for your own personal study
As with any form or technique used to study, it is important to customise it so that it works best for you. Some ideas to help do this include:
- Mixing up similar and different subjects: You can interleave topics within the same subject (e.g., different body systems in physiology) or across different subjects (e.g., anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology). Experiment with different combinations and see what helps you the most.
- Start small and increase slowly: If you have never tried interleaving before, it may take some time to adjust to. You can begin by mixing just two subjects or problem types. Once you get the hang of it and become more confident in the method, gradually introduce more topics into the rotation.
- Combine with other study methods: Combining interleaving with other study techniques like spaced repetition (the 2357 method) can get even better results. This way, you are not only switching between subjects but also revisiting them at strategically timed intervals.
Is the interleaving method right for you?
We are all individuals and learn differently. Interleaving may be an excellent method for you, but some people prefer different study styles or methodologies. Interleaving, however, can be especially beneficial for students in fields like medicine, where mastering a variety of subjects is key to success, so it is definitely worth trying if you haven’t. It is an excellent choice for preparing for exams like the MRCEM primary, where you’ll need to integrate anatomy and pathology knowledge with clinical scenarios. There is considerable overlap between these curriculum areas, and interleaving can really help with a deeper understanding of the foundation of each individual topic.
Final thoughts…
The interleaving method is a powerful tool that can revolutionise the way you study. By mixing up subjects and introducing desirable challenges, you are training your brain to retain and apply information more effectively. That said, interleaving is not a quick fix; it requires deliberate planning and might even feel uncomfortable initially. However, if you are willing to push through the initial challenge, the long-term rewards of better retention and adaptability make it well worth the effort.
If you are looking for a more efficient way to prepare for your exams and retain your learning long-term, give interleaving a try. You might find that this small shift in how you study significantly improves your learning.
Happy studying – and may your memory stay sharp, no matter how many subjects you mix!
Thank you to the joint editorial team of www.mrcemexamprep.net for this ‘Exam Tips’ blog post.
