The Pomodoro Technique

Learning Matters #20 The Pomodoro Technique – get more done. 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by revision? Do you sometimes get bored, or lack motivation and feel easily distracted? The Pomodoro technique can help you. It will help you get more done, not get bored and save your energy when you’re studying. 

What is the Pomodoro Technique? 

The Pomodoro technique is a very simple productivity system. You set a timer for 25 minutes and then focus exclusively on one task until the timer goes off.  

 What happens when the timer goes off? 

When the timer goes off, you take a five-minute break. You should move your body, have a stretch, go to the loo, whatever. Then, come back to do another 25 minutes. 

Do four lots of 25 minutes before taking a longer break. 

How do you make the Pomodoro Technique work? 

1. Plan your tasks

The first step is to plan the tasks you want to do in a day. Plan up to five tasks for the day that are really clear. Don't just write ‘Revise biology'. Be specific, for example create flashcards on pages 40-42 from my biology textbook, or annotate Act 2 Scene 1. 

2. Remove distractions

This means that you preferably get your phone out of the room, you close all the other tabs if you're working on the computer and you make sure you're in a quiet space where you can focus. 

3. Set your timer

Now you set your timer for 25 minutes and you focus, focus, focus until it goes off. 

4. Make a tally of the pomodoros you have completed

After each session, tick it off. This will give you that feeling of accomplishment as you notch those ticks up over the day and the week.  

Why does the Pomodoro technique work? 

It works because you: 

• Get things done – when you're focused you're productive. This gives you an enormous sense of achievement 

• Don't get so tired – pretty much anyone can focus for 25 minutes. It's when we try to focus for an hour or more than we really start getting brain ache and feeling tired. 

• Don't get so bored – a lot of students mix up the feelings of tiredness that comes with trying to concentrate for too long with boredom. Actually, when you break down your study sessions into smaller chunks you stay more engaged and more alert 

• Get a feeling of achievement as you tick off your tasks and notch up your pomodoros. You can feel proud of what you've done! 

Find out more about how and why to use the pomodoro technique and the importance of taking a brain break. 

Learning Matters #24 Revision Apps / Sites

Revision is key to success. You do not have to do it alone and technology can also be your friend as well as your foe. Now is the time to stop checking TikTok and friends Instagram and reward yourself with social media time after focused study time.  

Manage your distractions and time

Forest App - https://www.forestapp.cc/ Stay Focused and Be Present. 

This app helps you stay focused for 30 minutes at a time and a tree will be grow and then be planted. 

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Focus To-Do  https://www.focustodo.cn/

This app supports you to do the promodoro revision technique previously discussed in a previous learning matters. It combines to do revision lists with the 25 minute, 5 minute break, 25 minute revision technique. 

Exam Countdown Lite (for Apple or Android)

Exam Countdown is a beautifully simple countdown timer, reminder, exam & test timetable app for students, teachers and schools. The 5 star rated exam countdown app used by millions worldwide. The 'must have' app for ALL students preparing for Examinations at ALL levels!

Content Revision

Anki App https://www.ankiapp.com/

Study flashcards in your downtime. Make flashcards with text, sound, and images, or download pre-made ones. Studying is super efficient, thanks to the powerful AnkiApp Advanced Spaced Repetition™ (SRS) algorithm. 

Evernote - https://evernote.com/free

Evernote Free lets you collect information quickly, organize it easily, and find it when you need it

Quizlet App - https://quizlet.com/latest

Create or find flashcards for your subject and test yourself using learn, match, test and flashcard modes. They have now even added in AI and you can create cards from copying in a set of revision notes. 

Videos

Youtube - subject specific revision channels

Youtube as a wealth of revision channels from which you can revise from with content created by educational publishers and teachers designed for specific subject specficiations. If you cannot find what you are looking for ask your teachers for Youtube channel recommendations. For example A level Business has great content created by Tutor2U and TakingtheBiz plus many more. 

Snap Revise on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@snaprevise/playlists

Snap revise have lots of short videos on different revision techniques as well as some subject revision videos.