Pomodoro Technique

Pomodoro Method for Studying More Effectively

Does it actually work? Take a listen :

https://mylearningtolearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pomodorotechniquetomatotimer_960.jpgDO YOU POMODORO?  

 

 “The Pomodoro Technique” is the idea by a student in the 1980’s, Francesco Cirillo. Using a timer with preset times for working and having a break could help you to stop procrastinating and structure your time.  
 
Let’s POMODORO! Try it out by following the sequence below:  
 

Shut off all distractions (your phone, TV, your music, a friend, etc.) 
Set the timer for 25 minutes 
Get going and focus on the task for 25 minutes 
When the 25 minutes are up, reward yourself with a 5 minute break 
Going through the above points means you are “doing a pomodoro”!!!! 

 
REPEAT ABOVE STEPS 4 TIMES 
After doing Four (4) pomodoros – you earn a longer break (15 – 30 minutes) 
REPEAT steps as needed to complete your homework or ANY other task.  
 

 

And why might you ask is a pomodoro timer 25 minutes long? That is exactly the right time to help you not procrastinate, be productive, create urgency and help you stay focused on any task you are tackling. 

https://mylearningtolearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/dq00shcbvsje5lfulaom-1024x576.png

 

Overcoming Procrastination

Fifteen things you can do to control procrastination: 

Procrastination, Green Light 

  1. Reward yourself when you complete a task. Go online, have a treat, grab coffee with a friend. Choose what is a reinforcement for YOU. 
  2. PRIORITIZE the tasks you have to do.  This will help you know where to begin. 
  3. Work on tasks at the times you work best.  Are you a morning person?  A night owl?  
  4. Break tasks into smaller, manageable parts. 
  5. Work with a study group.  The momentum of the other group members will carry you with them.
  6. Carefully schedule what you have to do. Stick to your schedule. 
  7. Be realistic! It’s okay to shoot for small success and build on that.
  8. Set specific goals... and track your progress. Remind yourself of how this task is leading you closer to the end-goal.
  9. Establish a comfortable workspace. A space more inviting, is more enticing.  
  10. Work for short periods of time...It’s okay to take breaks! Have you heard of the Pomodoro method?
  11. If there is a particular task that you dread doing, force yourself to face it. Everything else will be a walk in the park!  
  12. Think about all of the benefits of completing a task.  Use these thoughts as motivators. 
  13. Other motivators? Find a friend, peer, instructor, or colleague that can, and WILL hold you accountable.
  14.  Use visual reminders (post-it notes, calendar alerts, phone reminders)  
  15. Identify the methods that you use to procrastinate.  Figure out what you can do instead. 
  1.  

 

Time Management

Set Up Alerts: Right To Your Phone or Email!

D2L allows students to "turn on" certain notifcations, such as assignment reminders, quizzes ending soon, or grades that have been updated. Never miss with an important alert by turning this feature on. 
Step 1) Go to your profile, by clicking your name at the top of the page. Select "notifications."


Step 2) Choose which notifications you want to receive, and if you want an email, a text, or both. 

Turning on the Calendar Feature in D2L

Looking for a way to link all your courses and assignments in one easy spot? 

Go to the homepage in your course, select Materials, then select Calendar




 

TIME MANAGEMENT

School, WOrk, Home-Life eXpectations...It can be a lot.

How you manage your time can be crucial to your academic success. Especially as you start your college career, it is essential to learn how to balance your time so you can use it most effectively. Some tips to assist you in your time management are as follows.

Find a way to keep track of your time.

  • Prepare a term calendar.
  • Keep a daily/weekly planner.
  • Use to-do lists
  • To-do lists can be used to prioritize tasks that need to be completed on a daily basis.

Record your planned school activities using your class syllabus.

  • Assignment and paper due dates
  • Exam dates
  • Record outside-of-class activities as well.

General Study Tips

HOW TO STUDY :

Test preparation can include many factors including WHAT to study, WHEN to study, and HOW to study. Especially if the concept of studying for an exam is new to you, the tips that follow will help you successfully prime yourself for your next exam.

WHAT TO STUDY

  • Use instructor clues to identify what may be on the exam.
  • Textbook, notes, and lecture
  • Check to see if old exams from previous semesters are available.
  • Any time information is repeated it is likely it will be on your exam.

WHEN TO STUDY

  • Prepare for exams from the first day assignments are made.
  • Depending on the exam it may be beneficial to start studying a week or so in advance.
  • When studying use the 30-3-2 schedule:
    • Thirty minutes to study, three minutes for a break, two minutes to review before you resume studying.
  • Never study for more than two hours at a time.
  • Cramming does not work!

HOW TO STUDY

  • Review notes on a regular basis.
  • Test yourself.
  • Use study groups.
  • Keys to remembering:
    • Be interested: Establish a need to remember.
    • Visualize: Picture what you need to remember.
    • Relate: Form associations between the new ideas and the information that you already know.
    • Repeat: In order to remember information it is better to over learn the information. It is easier to remember information when it is in your own words.

VARK Learning Styles