Paw Print Writer: Riley Benavidez
The Pomodoro technique is a study method used in any study-based discipline. Essentially it is a timed-based system, of 90% study with a 10% break built in. The most used Pomodoro system is 25 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break. Repeating 4 times, then adding more breaks per cycle. A little background on where this technique originates from. The Pomodoro technique was created by an Italian programmer Francesco Cirillo who used a little tomato kitchen timer to facilitate studying programming back in the late 80s. Cirillo wrote in his studies “I discovered that you could learn how to improve your effectiveness and be better able to estimate how long a task will take to complete by recording how you utilize your time.” It is a powerful tool because it has 3 elements built into it: 1. Built-in breaks 2. It adds urgency 3. It’s simple. Breaks are crucial because it allows time away from studying- giving us a mental refresher. Cramming for long hours of continuous studying leads to burnout and then leads to negative thinking of “I can’t do this”, or “this is pointless” spiraling down until quitting. But taking regular micro-breaks can prevent mental burnout. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to be long. The most crucial part of a break is stepping away (physically preferably) from the study space. Breaks can be taking a small walk, getting a refill on coffee, playing with a pet, talking to a friend, etc. Urgency is part of the foundation of student learning, it gives purpose as well as a timeline to obtain knowledge. We have urgency within deadlines or degree plans. As a society, we enjoy getting things done in the most efficient and fastest way possible. It doesn’t take much, but rather it’s a nudge in the right direction. Adding urgency to yourself can help give motivation (when used healthily!). Using the Promodo technique, a timer is used to add urgency to a study session. It feels like a game in the sense of racing against the clock. A benefit to using the Pomodoro technique is that it’s a simple study guide. The majority of the time is used to study and the rest occasional time is spent getting a well-deserved break. The only true requirement needed is a timer- which can be used with our phones. Some scholars can be old school and use an actual timer but it is not truly required. These apps are both for Android or Apple, or there are even youtube videos with lofi-music included! Not every study tool is perfect and neither is the Pomodoro technique. A danger not already described is that it can be too rigid. During studying there is a time when you get into the “flow”, this flow state is when you are focused on work. If the timer goes off during a flow state, this could disrupt creativity. Best advised to work through the flow state organically and if the timer says to take a break finish your thought for a few minutes then take a break. Another downfall to the Pomodoro technique is that it has to be personalized for the student. Some people do better with longer beaks than others. The Pomodoro technique is a study tool that doesn’t work for
everybody or every studying situation, but it is better to have a full set of tools in our educational toolbox.
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