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 to Pomodorotechnique, “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.
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.
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 Facebook 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?