Revise Revising: The Pomodoro Method
The art of revision - like the facts, dates, skills, and techniques that you need to excel in your examinations - is something that can be learned. As we move past Christmas and towards exam season, many students across the country struggle to understand exactly HOW they should revise. And it’s not because of a lack of motivation, the distractions of technology, or an inability to grasp the subject - despite what parents and teachers may have you believe! At the OTC, we consulted with our team of tutors and collective of clients to better understand the challenges students face, and how we can help you to revise more efficiently and successfully. We will release a range of these helpful tips and insights over the next months as part of our new ‘Revise Revising’ segment. If you are searching for interview advice, why not check out our previous blog posts, including The OTC Top 5 Oxbridge Interview Tips.
In this first instalment of ‘Revise Revising’, we will discuss the Pomodoro Method. Read on to find out what this revision technique is, how it can help you, and why it is named after a fruit!
What is the Pomodoro Method?
The Pomodoro Method is a time management technique, that aims to organise your revision period as usefully as possible so that you can work with the time you have, rather than against it. Your time is broken down into 25-minute periods of intense work, separated by 5-minute periods of restfulness. After a few of these Pomodoro chunks (typically 4), you can take a longer break to recuperate fully. A timer should be used to regulate these intervals. The creator recommends using a physical timer, because the act of winding confirms your willingness to engage with the work period, the ticking is a reminder of the determination required to achieve your goals, and the ringing becomes associated with a break. In theory, your flow and focus can become finely attuned to these stimuli. In fact, the term ‘Pomodoro Method’ comes from the fact the Italian creator’s original timer was shaped like a tomato - or Pomodoro in Italian!
Great. But what’s the point?
The aim of the Pomodoro Method is simple - to ensure that the time you spend working is effective, and free from distraction. This is achieved through two mechanisms.
Firstly, the timer serves as a stark reminder of your finite time. In longer work periods, it can be easy to feel as though you have forever, and revise accordingly. You can add to this effect by setting short-term, achievable goals for each 25-minute period, which will help to further ensure you use your time wisely.
Secondly, 25-minute work periods help to prevent fatigue. We all know the feeling of reading a page for the fourth of fifth time, and not recognising a single word on it. This psychological tiredness is a real phenomenon, and can be avoided by allowing your brain a little regular time to recover and assimilate the content you have been revising. And furthermore, keeping this break period to 5-minutes means you don’t have time to totally fall out of the revision groove.
Our Suggestion
With plenty of time remaining before the examination period, we at the OTC recommend that you give the Pomodoro Method a go whether you are a studying superstar or a procrastination pro. It goes without saying that this technique isn’t for everyone - we all learn in different ways - but many of our students have found a use for it either as their primary revision technique, or a useful alternative when they need some variation. And if you give it a go with an old-fashioned physical timer, get in touch and let us know how it went!
If you need a last push, we’ve embedded a YouTube video that will time the required intervals for you - so no excuses!
To receive more examination preparation please contact us directly. From Physics to French, the OTC have it covered! Book your free 10-minute consultation today so we can devise the interview prep package that is right for you, to make sure you get that offer.