The Pomodoro Technique: How Successful Is This Study Method?

What is the Pomodoro Technique? 

The Pomodoro Technique was developed by Francesco Cirillo – an Italian business consultant – in the 1980s. While struggling to focus on his studies and complete assignments, Cirillo began to break the tasks down. He found his productivity improved by committing to just 10 minutes of concentrated study at a time.⏱️

Encouraged by the challenge, he found a tomato – that’s ‘pomodoro’ in Italian  – shaped kitchen timer, and the Pomodoro study method was born.🍅

Today, the Pomodoro Technique for studying  is one of the most popular and effective time management methods and is used by millions across the globe. The method involves splitting your time into half-hour segments – 25-minute chunks of focused study followed by 5-minute breaks. 

Each 25-minute work session is usually referred to as one Pomodoro. When you have completed 4 Pomodoros, you should take a more extended break – up to half an hour. The Pomodoro study technique is a simple system that allows learners or workers to manage their time, increase focus and reward productivity. 👌

What are the 5 steps in the Pomodoro Technique?

As discussed, the basic premise of the Pomodoro Technique is to segment your study timetable or schedule into timed periods of focused work, with short breaks in between to recharge. The breakdown is as follows:

#Step 1 – Set the task

Choose a single task you will focus on and write it down so you can stay on track and refer back to it while you work. 👆

#Step 2 – Set the timer

Using a phone, your computer or a good old-fashioned watch, set your timer to go off after 25 minutes. ⏰

#Step 3 – Work for 25 mins

Work on the task you have set yourself until the timer rings after 25 minutes. Remember to put a checkmark on your paper or bookmark your page. ✍️

#Step 4 – Break for 5 mins

Take a short 5-minute break. Remember to switch off and do something different now to reward your focus, reduce stress, and get that sense of accomplishment. 🤗

#Step 5 – Repeat!

Now you can repeat steps one to four a few more times. Remember, after 3-4 Pomodoros; you need to take a longer 20-30 minute break. 🤌

Why is one ‘Pomodoro’ 25 minutes?

Although one Pomodoro session is widely accepted to be 25 minutes long, there is no hard and fast rule about the most effective Pomodoro time. Generally speaking, the 25-minute study method of intense concentration or work is long enough to make progress but not so long that it feels overwhelming or you lose concentration. 🤓

25-minute segments with 5-minute breaks – that's half an hour in total – also stack up together nicely. If you have given yourself two hours to work in the morning before lunch, that’s 4 Pomodoro segments. It’s surprising how much you can accomplish in short bursts of focused work!

Is the Pomodoro Technique effective?

The idea behind the method is that by breaking down the time into manageable chunks, you will be able to focus better on the task at hand, knowing you will soon have a break. 😍

Recent research has shown that both focus and unfocus – working together – is vital to productivity and brain function. The brain operates optimally when it toggles between the two, allowing you to develop resilience, enhance creativity, and make better decisions.

Some studies dating from the 1990s suggest that we can concentrate for no longer than 90 minutes before needing a 15-minute break, while other studies have found that even a micro-break of a few seconds will work, provided it is a total distraction.

The short sessions and frequent breaks make it easier to work in a focused way, and many people find this a beneficial way to manage their time or revise. Since each Pomodoro is only 25 minutes, the method can also help you break down your work into smaller tasks. 🎯 

It works well to set a goal to complete a particular task or make a certain amount of progress before setting the timer for each Pomodoro. For most people, 25 minutes is the perfect amount of time because it creates a feeling of urgency while also keeping you focused and making you less likely to get distracted or procrastinate. 😏

The pros and cons of the Pomodoro Technique

As with any learning method, the Pomodoro Technique isn’t perfect and may not be suitable for every study task or student. Methods like Pomodoro come with their own set of pros and cons.

Find the best study method for you

Many people have found that the Pomodoro Technique improves their ability to focus and get work done efficiently, but the Pomodoro style of studying isn’t necessarily suitable for everyone. 

There are many excellent study techniques like Pomodoro, and it's important to keep in mind that different study methods work well for different people, and other popular learning methods are available too. Make sure to try a variety to find the best ones for you! One of the learning methods discussed in the following articles may suit your style. 🙌 

• Improving critical thinking skills
• Revise with spaced repetition
• Try out the Feynman Technique
• Create mind maps
• Take a look at our top seven revision strategies 

Remember, here at GoStudent, we have a fantastic team of tutors who can help you to improve your grades. Why not book a free trial class today to try it out? Our experienced tutors are happy to help you develop your skills and find the best study methods for you too! 🚀