In a world of digital distraction, learners studying for GCSEs, A levels and other qualifications can have a harder time than ever settling down to study.
So how do you get started, and maintain focus on what you have to learn or practise?
Enter the “”, an increasingly popular approach to time management that can help to conquer procrastination, distraction and study fatigue.
What is the pomodoro technique?
The pomodoro technique is simple: you set a timer for 25 minutes then focus on one task for all of this time. You then take a five-minute break, preferably away from your screen.
You repeat this cycle a number of times before taking a longer 30-minute break. You could do this all day or until you have completed the desired tasks.
The method was created by Italian software designer Francesco Cirillo in 1987. His website describes how he was struggling to revise for a sociology exam and couldn’t keep his mind focused on a book.
Using a kitchen timer, which happened to be shaped like a tomato, he challenged himself to focus on the book for just two minutes straight. He gradually increased the time, deciding that 25 minutes was the ideal length of time, followed by a two- to five-minute break.
The word ”dzǻǰ” means “tomato” in Italian, hence the name of the technique.
How can it be used to help students revise?
The pomodoro technique helps users to break large amounts of work and study down into more manageable units, thus increasing focus.
Students can adapt the system to what works for them, adjusting the study or break times but keeping to the spirit of the technique.
What does the research say?
Research evidence for the pomodoro technique is not that strong, but some studies have shown benefits.
One at a Dutch university found that those left to regulate their own study breaks had higher levels of fatigue and distractedness, and lower levels of concentration and motivation, than those using pre-determined, systematic breaks.
The study said this “had mood benefits and appeared to have efficiency benefits over taking self-regulated breaks”.
A further showed “a slight improvement on the respondents’ procrastination behaviour”.
Tips and tools for success
There are a range of digital pomodoro timers for desktop and mobile to help students stick to their focus periods and breaks. There is but others are available.
Many of the timers tick as you work - something students may or may not enjoy.
For purists, the original tomato-shaped, wind-up timers are still available to buy online for around £5. They reduce the possibility of digital distractions, although they may tick loudly and the alarm could make you jump out of your chair when deep in thought.
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