Stop spending so much time studying.
I know students who will spend upwards of three hours straight preparing for a single midterm. To me, this seems ridiculous and very unnecessary. I will even go as far as saying that studying for hours on end without breaks is counterproductive. Taking breaks while studying is key to truly retain the information you are trying to learn. It is best to study in intervals with a set number of breaks.
This is the idea behind the Pomodoro Technique.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
According to Pomodorotechnique.com, “The Pomodoro Technique™ is a way to get the most out of time management. Turn time into a valuable ally to accomplish what we want to do and chart continuous improvement in the way we do it.”
Basically, it is a simple and effective way of managing your time while you are trying to accomplish a certain task.
How it Works
The Pomodoro technique is simple, and all you need to get started is some sort of timer.
- Decide on a task, whether it be homework or studying.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Study your ass off for that 25 minutes.
- Take a brief break. (Normally 5 min.)
- Do this 3 more times.
- After the fourth session, take a longer break.
- Repeat if necessary.
Credit: Scui3asteveo
Pomodoro Apps
Maybe it’s just me, but I love a good computer app to help out with a given task, even if a simple timer will do the trick. Here are some of my favorites apps to get you started using the Pomodoro Technique.
- FocusBooster (Mac, Windows, Linux)
- Pomodoro (Mac)
- Pomodoro Time Management Lite (iPhone)
Ready, Set, Go…
I can’t emphasize enough how much this technique has helped me. I spend a lot less time studying now. Before using the Pomodoro Technique, I was very inefficient while studying. Mostly because I would be browsing the Internet instead. Since using the technique, I am a lot more disciplined, and use the 5 minute breaks to do a quick browse through Digg instead of while I am studying.
What do you think about the Pomodoro Technique? If you have used it, do you think it is helpful?
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TheStudentsLife
This is definitely better than a marathon study session (where you'll probably forget most of what you read). However, I've found that simply going over your notes every night after class does more than any amount of last minute studying can. The biggest problem is finding the motivation to glance over your notes when it isn't urgent.
Dan Northern
I have had a few terrible experiences with marathon study sessions. I agree with you that going over notes every night is the best way to study. A combination of this type of studying plus the pomorodo technique the nights before would be perfect
BJ Robinson
I came across this website from the NAKED Daily email. It is that time of year when all of my assignments and midterms are due. The week before Spring Break. Yikes. I have had a hard time finding the motivation to study and do my homework assignments ahead of time.
I decided to use the FocusBooster. I cannot believe it but it really works. The idea of working hard for only 25 minutes then having a 5 minute break has done wonders for me. I was able to finish an assignment that took me two to three hours before in one hour because I focused for the two 25 minute sessions. I love the FocusBooster because it times how long I have been working and I don't have to consistently keep looking at the clock.
I would strongly suggest trying it out. There is nothing to lose but so much to gain. ^_^ Happy studying!!!
Dan Northern
I used this technique to study for a class I never went to, and I got a B on every test, just by doing one full Pomodoro cycle the night before. I have to admit, it was a pretty easy class though.
FocusBooster is a great app!
Charles
Used this technique for a while, was useless at studying before I tried it.
It helps to keep track of your pomodoros, that way you will know how much time you need to study for the next test.
My girlfriend is a writer, she found that this technique helps her with her writing.
Dan Northern
Using this technique for writing is a great idea. I can't believe I haven't thought to try it when writing new blog posts.
Rin
I've tried this method for around 2 months and I have to say… wow. Before this, I was always unmotivated to study and work, i'd cram everything in last minute (hours at midnight). But ever since I've discovered this method… no more late night cramming!
kaleesh
D: a five minute break is never enough for reddit. digg, can. reddit, nope.
Lizz
The pomodoro technique has improved my studying efficiency so much. I wish more people knew about it! Thanks for the article.
College Grades
I was always a big fan of studying in smaller, more frequent sessions. Try to get in 30 minutes when you first wake up, and right before you go to bed too.
Dan Northern
I like to study in smaller sessions as well. Right before you go to bed is a great time to study because when you sleep, your brain uses memory consolidation to help memorize things.
BlogStudent
That´s a great idea. But a complete "pomodoro session" would probably prevent you from falling asleep. Too many thoughts rushing into your mind.
Célio Cidral
Hello guys, take a look at Tomighty, a desktop timer for Pomodoro Technique users:
http://code.google.com/p/tomighty/
Cheers!
Edmund Yeo
Hi Dan,
This method of studying is certainly better than studying 2 to 3 hours at one go which I used to in my college days. I still remember my friend always say that the first 10 minutes is the important period when you are studying because that is when most of the things will be stored in your brain. I don't know whether that is true anot?
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Philadelphia SEO
This is the ONLY way to get shit done. I did this exact method during school pretty much because my attention span was next to nothing. @Celio, that timer is awesome, bookmarked!
seo ottawa
This pomodoro technique is new to me. I think I’m going to try it. Anyway there’s nothing to lose.
Mintii
It is a great way to be productive and focus your time. I’ve been using it for the semester.
William Delvalle
I think I’m using this kind of technique when I was still studying but the thing is I really don’t know the name of that technique. All students must read this article so that they have idea to make things better for themselves and their life in their schools.
Pomodoro Technique OnLine
Hi to all. I invite all the readers of this article to participate as BETA testers in my project orkanizer.com which is the on-line version of The Pomodoro Technique.
Thank you!
Denis.
Philadelphia SEO
The timer is an awesome idea. I cannot sit still for more then 20 minutes but focusing for 25 mins and then giving yourself a break could work. Awesome idea.
Michael Beck
This technique looks good. I plan on trying it soon. I’ve used the timer strategy before but never with the other items you list. Thanks!
kime
there is new game based on pomodoro technique called Pomodorium
Alan Crabb
The best thing about the pomodoro technique is that it slows you down, it forces you to stay with a subject and gives the unconcious time to chew it over.
Sometimes, when I am studying, I have ten minutes left on the timer and I think that I have finished and my concious mind is eager to move onto something else, rush rush rush. The book hare brain tortoise mind gives a good description of the ability of the unconcious mind to find creative solutions.http://www.filestube.com/h/hare+brain+tortoise+mind
Also Mark Forster’s to do list system cuts out procrastination by using intuition to get things done. check it out on http://www.markforster.net/
Abinaya Kannan
Dan, thank you so much!!!!!
I have my uni finals coming up in two weeks and I need to work my ass off (literally)! I was so unmotivated to study and would spend hours browsing the internet with an open book. This technique gives my system an adrenaline boost to finish the chunk of study in 25mins!!
In fact, I look forward to the next 25mins! Curiosity aroused too!
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN!!!!
jamelia
i did this and the 80/20 rule as a kid and didnt even know…but that always worked and i always secured the highest marks without giving much heed to studing regularly…