Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting stuck in a revision session? Do you sometimes find yourself struggling to focus or concentrate properly when studying? If you think that any mental barriers are getting in the way of your progress and your learning, the chances are that you need to seek out a new revision technique. Therefore, I am going to introduce you to one of my favourite time management strategies for studying: the Pomodoro Technique
It’s called the Pomodoro Technique and has recently become more popular due to its work-from-home efficiency-boosting strategy. Let’s dive into it.
The Pomodoro Technique 馃摃
The technique was created by Francesco Cirillo during the 1980s, who first experimented with it when studying for his university exams. Frustrated by the pressures of deadlines and assignments, he developed the Pomodoro Technique as a way to work with time instead of struggling against it.
Pomodoro is an Italian word, and it means ‘tomato’ in English when you translate it. So what’s the connection between the fruit and popular study method? The name comes from the tomato-shaped timer that Cirillo first used to measure his sessions. In the study technique, each ‘package’ of study time refers to as a ‘Pomodoro.’
How To Follow The Pomodoro Technique? 馃摠
What makes the Pomodoro technique feasible is that it is extremely easy and low-tech. You can start to apply it just after you read this post.
This is what you need:
- A timer (don’t use your phone, it’s too distracting)
- Your study materials
There are six steps to follow: 鈱氾笍
- Decide on the task to complete (for example, study for IELTS Reading Matching the Headings from Clasital Library.)
- Set the timer to 25 minutes
- Start the task (do not stop or change the task)
- Stop when the timer rings
- Take a 5-minute break (get up from your desk, briefly check your phone, drink water)
- Repeat
Once you have completed three or four repetitions, you can take a longer break (30 minutes), where you can go outside and get some fresh air and also grab a snack.
Top 3 Tips for Pomodoro Technique:
- You still need to make sure that you have a revision plan and a timetable, as these will ensure that you cover all the essential content.
- At the start of each day, decide what you want to achieve in each of your Pomodoro. This will save you time during your breaks, as you will already know what you need to tackle in the next session.
- If you have time left over, use it to re-revise the content or to reflect on your progress. Don’t be tempted to stop early, as this will disrupt your flow.
What’s next
Once you’ve mastered this technique, you can expect to achieve more, feel more motivated to complete tasks, and be less distracted during your study periods.
This is because the Pomodoro Technique hacks your brain to your advantage. Rather than feeling like you have endless time in the workday to get things done and ultimately squash those precious work hours on distractions, you know you only have 25 minutes to make as much progress on a task as possible. Having a definite goal delivers the urgency you need to be productive.
The frequent mini-breaks and changes in focus prevent mental fatigue and help keep things fresh and interesting.
You could even try to use this technique than trying to complete chores around the house or to work through your ‘to-do list.
Want To Explore The Technique Further 馃搩
All of the information above should be enough for you to give this method a try, but if you’re interested and would like to learn even more, here are some resources for you:
WATCH this short Youtube Video
DOWNLOAD one of these timer and tracker apps
READ the handy Cheat Sheet from Queen’s University
Conclusion
Overall, the Pomodoro Technique is a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their time management skills and increase productivity. The Pomodoro Technique has gained popularity due to its simplicity and effectiveness in helping individuals increase productivity and decrease feelings of burnout. Its main benefit is that it helps individuals stay focused and avoid multitasking, allowing them to complete tasks more efficiently.
Have you tried using the Pomodoro Technique? Do you have any advice for fellow students or questions for our team? Get in touch by sending us direct messages or leaving a comment on our social media platforms (@ClasitalHQ)
If you’re looking for more revision advice from our experts, you’ll find everything you need on our blog.
