Normally, the techniques I teach have MOUNTAINS of cognitive psychology data sitting behind them, and I can reel off any number of well-regarded research studies that prove the technique is massively helpful. Well, I’m going to have to level with you: this article’s a bit tricky for me. You might be thinking: this all sounds great, but does the Pomodoro Technique actually WORK? Pomodoro technique for studying: intense 25-35 minute blocks seperated by 5-10 minute breaks Is the Pomodoro Method actually effective for studying? Step 4: Reset your timer, and repeat Steps 1-3 a couple of times to form a full study session before taking a well-deserved longer break!.… or perhaps a little longer if you’re choosing longer work sessions.Step 3: When the time’s up, take a 5-minute break – phew!.Step 2: Give that task your undivided attention while the timer is ticking – no distractions!.Many opt for a (traditional) 25-minute session, but some go shorter (e.g.

Step 1: Set a timer for a short, intense burst of work on a single task – each block is called a “Pomodoro”.

It’s a matter of keeping strict tabs on a cycle of short work sessions, divided up by quick breaks. Some even call it the “tomato study method”! Here’s how to use the Pomodoro Method for studying, at its simplest:

There are several common names for this study method: we use “Pomodoro Method” and Pomodoro Technique interchangeably in this article.

When Francesco originally came up with the technique, he used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to time his study sessions. Psst: If you’re wondering where the name comes from, “Pomodoro” is the Italian word for tomato. Francesco’s original “bible” is a great read, but at 45 pages, it’s hefty – so here’s the TL DR summary for your convenience. In 2006, after a lifetime spent helping students get the most out of the technique, he wrote a “bible” containing all his best-practice tips and for getting the most out of his Pomodoro Method. Put simply, the Pomodoro Study Method is a popular time management technique that involves using a timer to manage short, intense and distraction-free work sessions.įrancesco Cirillo is widely credited with coming up with the “Pomodoro Method” concept in the late 1980s, while he was a university student.

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