The Blueprint Series
Vertech AcademyAce Any Math or Science Class:
Part 4 — Mixing It Up
The biggest mistake students make is doing "blocked" practice. You read the chapter on fractions, and then you solve 20 fraction problems. You feel really smart because you get them all right.
But on the actual test, the questions are all mixed up. You fail because you don't know WHEN to use the fraction rules.
The Mixing Effect 🌪️
Instead of doing the same type of problem over and over, you need to mix up the types of problems you practice in a single session. This forces your brain to figure out what kind of problem it is before trying to solve it.
Doing the Same vs. Mixing It Up
Same (Bad)🟦 🟦 🟦 🟦🟥 🟥 🟥 🟥
Mixed (Good)🟦 🟥 🟩 🟨🟩 🟦 🟨 🟥
VERTECH DOC-ID: MS-004Page 1
Action Steps
Mix your practice to build true agility.
1Mixing Your Practice
- Stop doing 10 practice problems of the exact same type in a row.
- Print out one worksheet from Chapter 1, one from Chapter 2, and staple them together out of order.
- Before solving a problem, write down exactly WHY you are choosing a specific formula.
2Spreading It Out
- Study for 30 minutes today, 30 minutes tomorrow, and 30 minutes Friday instead of 90 minutes on Thursday.
VERTECH DOC-ID: MS-004Page 2