What is the Pomodoro method? The technique that many students use in the selectivity
The calendar advances and for thousands of students in second baccalaureate in Spain one of the most decisive stages of their academic life is approaching: the evidence of access to the university, popularly known as selectivity. Although each autonomous community establishes its own dates, there is something that all students share these days: The pressure, nerves and intensive study hours.
Given this situation, many young people resort to strategies to improve their performance. One of the most widespread in recent years is Pomodoro Methoda time management technique that has gained prominence among those who seek to study more effectively without falling into mental exhaustion.
What is this method?
Conceived in the 80s by Francesco Cirillo, an Italian student who helped a Tomato -shaped kitchen timerthe method proposes to divide the time into short and structured blocks. Specifically, it is about concentrating for 25 minutes in a single task, without interruptions, and then making a five -minute break. These blocks are known as ‘pomodoros’. After completing four of them, a longer break is recommendedwhich can range between 15 and 30 minutes.
The key to this technique lies in simplicity and its ability to combat dispersion. During work intervals, It is advisable to eliminate any distraction, including electronic devices. This dynamic facilitates maintaining concentration, helps to better manage time and reduce the feeling of exhaustion that students usually suffer in marathon days of review.
Science supports it
Although it is not a miraculous formula, various studies have analyzed the effects of this type of cognitive performance techniques. Investigations such as the one carried out by the University of Illinois in 2011, published in the Cognition magazine, conclude that introducing short pauses into long tasks can maintain attention at stable levels. According to the study, the problem is not so much that the ability to concentrate is exhausted, but that it is diluted before monotony. In this sense, regular interruptions allow to renew the focus and improve general performance.
In addition, it has been proven that Sustained attention is usually maintained between 20 and 45 minutesdepending on the individual and the environment. Therefore, the work scheme of the Pomodoro method fits quite well to the natural rhythms of our brain.