Mixing topics instead of blocking them · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Mix familiar questions and choose a method

Learning to Learn · Learning to Learn · ages 14-16
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Repeated question kinds may feel easier because a previous question can suggest which method to use next.

    Circle one:   True   False

  2. What makes a practice set mixed rather than blocked?

    • Different kinds appear among one another
    • Each kind appears in its own large block
    • Every question repeats one single method

  3. What decision does an unlabelled mixed set ask you to make before applying a method?

    • Whether every answer uses the last method
    • Whether neat writing can replace checking
    • Which method fits the question you are on

  4. You want to review why you chose each method. What should you record before applying it?

    • The chosen method and its supporting clue
    • The final answer and the time spent on it
    • The total score and how easy the set felt

  5. You want two questions from each familiar topic A, B and C in mixed order. Which order fits? These topic tags are for checking afterwards.

    • A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
    • A1, B1, C1, A2, C2, B2
    • A1, B1, A2, B2, A3, B3

  6. Attempt these, then identify their skills: 1 'What is 18 + 7?'; 2 'What is 23 - 9?'; 3 'How many in 5 groups of 4?' Which skill log fits?

    • 1 subtraction; 2 addition; 3 multiplication
    • 1 addition; 2 multiplication; 3 subtraction
    • 1 addition; 2 subtraction; 3 multiplication

  7. A blocked set felt easy and a mixed set felt difficult. What can you conclude from those feelings alone?

    • The easy blocked set produced more lasting learning
    • The harder mixed set produced more lasting learning
    • Neither feeling establishes how much learning lasts

  8. A mixed set includes a method you have never learned, and you cannot start those questions. What is a useful next step?

    • Add more unfamiliar methods and drop all guidance
    • Study a worked example and practise with guidance
    • Repeat the mixed set without checking any answers
LightMySky · lightmysky.comW1-mt_C28PN50zwX-s1

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Mix familiar questions and choose a method W1-mt_C28PN50zwX-s1

  1. True · A run of similar questions can cue reuse of the method. That can affect how easy practice feels without establishing later learning.
  2. Different kinds appear among one another · Mixed practice places different question kinds among one another. Separate runs of each kind are blocked.
  3. Which method fits the question you are on · Choose a method that fits the current question. You still need to apply it and check the work.
  4. The chosen method and its supporting clue · The method and supporting clue record the reasoning behind your choice. The final answer alone does not show that reasoning.
  5. A1, B1, C1, A2, C2, B2 · A1, B1, C1, A2, C2, B2 has two questions from every required topic in mixed order.
  6. 1 addition; 2 subtraction; 3 multiplication · The questions ask you to combine amounts, find a difference and total equal groups: addition, subtraction and multiplication.
  7. Neither feeling establishes how much learning lasts · The feelings describe the practice experience, not later performance. Check the work and use a later unlabelled set.
  8. Study a worked example and practise with guidance · Instruction and guided practice can address the unfamiliar method before you are expected to select and use it independently.
Worksheet · LightMySky