The Pomodoro Technique for Studying (Have You Tried It?) - MedCerts

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Are you struggling to stay focused and productive while studying? Look no further than the Pomodoro Technique for studying. This time-management method can help revolutionize your learning sessions. By breaking your study time into manageable intervals, you can maximize your concentration while preventing burnout. Here is an extensive insight into the effectiveness of this popular technique and a few of its study productivity tips.

What Is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique for studying is a hack that Francesco Cirillo created in the late 1980s as a learner. He named the time-management technique after a tomato-shaped timer he used, called a "pomodoro" in Italian.

The technique involves breaking your work or study time into intervals called "pomodoros," lasting 25 minutes. There’s a five-minute break after each pomodoro and an even longer break of about 15-30 minutes after four pomodoros.

What Are the Key Steps Involved?

The main steps entailed in the Pomodoro Technique are straightforward. First, decide on the task you want to work on. Set a timer for 25 minutes and dedicate your full attention to that task during this time. Try to avoid any distractions or interruptions.

When the timer goes off, take a short break of five minutes to relax, stretch or do something enjoyable. Afterward, repeat this process, completing four pomodoros and then take a longer break. This step-wise approach helps you maintain focus and prevents exhaustion. In addition, there are four practices you can take up to become more time conscious. They include

  • The pomodoro core process: Having a priority list of tasks brings more focus to your project.

  • The pomodoro team process: Having a study partner or team adapting to the Pomodoro Technique makes you more accountable.

  • The pomodoro daily process: Creating a daily schedule allows you to efficiently organize and complete daily studying processes.

  • The pomodoro weekly process: Creating a weekly schedule ensures you can achieve multiple learning goals by organizing your week more proficiently.

What Makes Pomodoro so Effective?

The Pomodoro Technique is highly productive for several reasons. Firstly, the study trick allows you to get started easily. Working for only 25 minutes seems more manageable and less overwhelming than tackling a large task all at once. This technique makes it easier to overcome procrastination and initiates a sense of progress.

Secondly, the technique combats distractions. Setting a timer and committing to work for a specific duration creates a sense of urgency. You can minimize the temptation to check social media, emails or other distractions. This urgency enables you to focus deeply, leading to increased productivity.

Thirdly, the Pomodoro Technique gamifies your productivity. By dividing your work into intervals and keeping track of completed pomodoros, you turn your study session into a game-like experience. Here, the goal is to accomplish more pomodoros each day. This sense of achievement and competition with yourself can motivate you and make the studying process more enjoyable.

Use the Pomodoro Technique as a MedCerts Learner

Overall, this studying hack is suitable for MedCerts online learners seeking to enhance their productivity and study efficiency. Whether you're a student preparing for exams, or working on a project, implementing the Pomodoro Technique can revolutionize your approach to studying.

Also, remember the Pomodoro Technique is just one tool in your arsenal, and it works best when combined with other effective learning strategies. In addition, we at MedCerts offer comprehensive support to students throughout their learning journey.

Portrait of Julie Campos
Written by Julie Campos
Vice President of Student Success and Career Services

Julie Campos is the Vice President of Student Success and Career Services at MedCerts. She brings over 14 years of experience in Online Higher Education in both Student Support and Enrollment and started her career at the University of Phoenix, serving most of her tenure as a student-facing leader.

Julie has her Bachelors of Liberal Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas at El Paso, and her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Her areas of expertise are student support in online higher education environments and working with nontraditional students. At MedCerts, she is focused on creating a pro-active student central support model for MedCerts students to reach their goals and has developed the MedCerts Student Support and Outreach Model, created MedCerts Student Success Advisor reports and Dashboards, as well as the Student Success Advisor Playbook. Her proactive approach to student support has been crucial in meeting MedCerts’ student’s needs, as well as completion and certification goals.

Julie has three children – a 10-year-old son and 12- and 4-year-old daughters, who keep her and her husband busy with sports. She is also an avid crafter with an entire room of her home dedicated to the hobby. In her free time, she enjoys teaching wreath making and even has a few “how-to” YouTube videos on the subject!

Published on August 15, 2023

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