Interleaved practice is a method of learning that mixes or interleaves different types of skills or topics during study sessions, rather than focusing on one skill or topic at a time. This approach is increasingly gaining traction in the educational landscape due to its potential to improve long-term retention of knowledge and skills. The relevance of this technique becomes especially significant when considering its application in the tuition setting for primary students in Singapore, preparing them for the rigorous PSLE English Examinations set by MOE SEAB.
To understand the potential impacts of interleaved practice in tuition on your child’s performance in PSLE English Examinations, it’s essential first to appreciate the nature of these exams. The PSLE English Examinations are designed to assess students’ abilities across various aspects of the English language – comprehension, writing, oral communication, listening skills, etc. Therefore, the examination doesn’t just test one skill at a time but intermixes these skills, mirroring the real-world application of language.
Traditional approaches to tutoring may encourage ‘blocked’ practice, focusing on one type of question or skill area at a time until it is mastered, before moving on to the next. While this approach has its merits and can be effective in the initial stages of learning a new concept, research suggests that it may not be the most effective method for long-term retention or transfer of skills. The latter is particularly relevant in the context of PSLE English Examinations where students are required to apply their English language skills in a variety of contexts.
Interleaved practice in tuition, by contrast, tends to shuffle different types of questions or skills in each study session. This approach aligns more closely with the varied and integrated nature of the PSLE English Examinations. For instance, in a tuition session incorporating interleaved practice, your child may work on comprehension passages, practice oral communication, and write a short composition all in one sitting, as opposed to dedicating each session to one skill.
But how does this impact your child’s performance in the exams? Research in cognitive science has shown that interleaved practice can improve problem-solving skills, enhance the ability to differentiate between different types of questions, and increase the long-term retention of skills and knowledge. This is because the interleaved practice encourages the brain to constantly ‘retrieve’ knowledge about different skills, reinforcing memory pathways.
Moreover, by practicing different types of questions or skills concurrently, students are compelled to discern the best strategy or approach for each question, promoting a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This enhanced discernment could be particularly beneficial in a high-stakes exam like the PSLE where different question types can appear in unpredictable sequences.
To sum up, the adoption of interleaved practice in tuition can potentially enhance your child’s performance in PSLE English Examinations by improving their long-term retention of skills, their ability to discern between different types of questions, and their capacity for flexible thinking. It’s a strategic shift from a monolithic learning approach to a diverse, adaptable one, mirroring the multifaceted nature of language use, thus better preparing your child for the rigors of the PSLE English Examinations and beyond.
