For many teenagers, an average day balances homework, exams, extracurriculars and sleep. While Redwood may have some teachers that provide study guides or tips, there is a relative lack of urgency from teachers to nurture healthy habits. This makes it difficult for students to comprehend material, especially if the topic is rigorous. High schoolers are not being taught how to study effectively. Teachers should implement study methods in their classes, such as the Pomodoro Method, active recall and spaced repetition to help students reach their academic goals.
In the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Method was developed by author and former student at the University of Rome La Sapienza, Francesco Cirillo. The Pomodoro Method consists of setting a timer for 25 minutes and studying the entire time without distraction. After the study period is over, there is a five-minute break. This cycle is repeated three to four times, or until the student feels well versed in their course of study.
The Pomodoro Method is beneficial for students as it can lower stress in students, which further helps them achieve better grades. A study by the National Institute of Health found that students with low stress levels score higher on exams than those with high stress levels. To build on this, a survey from Airtasker found that employees who used the Pomodoro Method as a time management technique reported a 25 percent reduction in stress levels. Due to the Pomodoro Method’s blending studying with breaks, students feel more relaxed, confident, and focused. The method reduces overall stress, helping students and out of class. Because of this, the method is far better than other methods of studying.
While the Pomodoro Method improves focus and reduces procrastination, it isn’t ideal for every personality type or task. Some tasks, such as coding, painting, or research, require extended periods. The Pomodoro Method’s time blocks would interrupt work time for these tasks.
For some, the time blocks could feel unnatural and forced. This doesn’t always match the complexity of specific tasks or assignments. Some assignments require 15 minutes of work time while others require 90 minutes. Fortunately, the Pomodoro Method is very flexible for someone who needs more time between study and break sessions and can easily change the intervals to suit their workload. The structure of the Pomodoro Method is quite flexible, and so are the study methods used during the intervals.
Revision methods, which help students review and acquire information, vary depending on the subject, but the most effective are active recall or spaced repetition.
Active recall involves actively retrieving information from memory rather than scanning over notes or passively reading information. It trains the prefrontal cortex by strengthening memory and understanding a specific topic. Using key terms matched with definitions helps train the brain to identify and use critical thinking to connect them.
Another great study method is spaced repetition. This strategy works by reviewing material at increasing intervals to optimize long-term memory. Using flashcards, separate the familiar and unfamiliar questions, then continuously review the unfamiliar ones until the information is well-engraved. Occasionally, I review familiar cards to maintain knowledge.
The Pomodoro Method is one of the best ways to study effectively. Not only does it prepare students for upcoming tests, but it also supports good brain function and develops the brain to create smarter habits. If teachers implement teaching study methods into their curriculums, classes will have higher grade averages and students won’t feel as stressed. Utilizing the Pomodoro Method, active recall and spaced repetition has benefits that will continue to pave the way for education that promotes better student-teacher relations and overall learning.