Interleaving Practice: Mixing Topics for Better Retention

What Is Interleaving?

Interleaving means mixing different problem types within a single practice session instead of practicing one type repeatedly. Rather than solving 20 annuity problems in a row, you would alternate between annuity, bond, and loan problems. Research shows that interleaving produces better long-term retention and transfer of learning, even though it feels harder in the moment and produces lower short-term accuracy.

Applying It to Actuarial Study

During your content learning phase, some blocked practice (focusing on one topic) is necessary to build initial understanding. But once you have covered multiple topics, start mixing them in your practice sessions. Create problem sets that randomly draw from all topics you have studied. This forces you to identify which technique applies, not just execute a technique you already know is needed. This identification skill is exactly what the exam tests. Interleaving is particularly valuable in the final weeks of preparation when you are transitioning from topic mastery to exam performance.