The learning strategy Pomodoro was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It was named after the kitchen clock used by Francesco, which was shaped like a tomato (which in Italian is pomodoro).
Pomodoro will help you spend your time efficiently.
The strategy consists of 6 steps:
- Decide what to do.
- Set the timer; usually 25 minutes.
- Work on what you’ve decided on.
- When the kitchen clock rings, put a marker on the paper.
- If you have less than 4 markers, take a short break of 3-5 minutes; then repeat from step 2.
- After four markers, take a longer break of 10-30 minutes; then repeat from step 1.
In the late 19th century, Hermann Ebbinghaus researched whether it was possible to improve memory retention. Among other things, he described the forgetting curve; the Pomodoro strategy helps to better remember what you’re working on.
You remember best if you repeat the learning the next day.
Francesco Cirillo recommends that you use low-tech aids. Setting a kitchen timer for example, is a physical act that helps you decide that the job should be done.
The Pomodoro strategy focuses on the amount of time and not the amount of work.
It is therefore important to plan properly and see in advance how you will divide the work.