Blocked Practice
Blocked practice is a learning and training methodology where a learner repeatedly practices the same skill or task in a concentrated, uninterrupted session before moving on to the next one. It involves grouping similar exercises together to focus on mastering one specific skill at a time, often used in fields like sports, music, and software development. This approach contrasts with interleaved practice, which mixes different skills within a single session.
Developers should use blocked practice when initially learning a new technology or concept, such as a programming language syntax or a specific algorithm, to build foundational proficiency through repetition. It is effective for skill acquisition in controlled environments, like coding bootcamps or tutorial-based learning, where immediate feedback and focused drills can accelerate mastery. However, it may be less optimal for long-term retention and real-world problem-solving compared to interleaved methods.