I MPOSS IBLE

Ba sic s of Literacy an d Numeracy

The project is funded by the European Commission

Pomodoro technique

Pomodoro technique is a time-management method. In the last few months we taught this method
to our students and we only have positive feedback on it. However, we had to change a little bit the
method for achieving the best result possible with our students.

I. First, please, get to know the technique.

II. Then, please, read carefully our recommendation for how to using the method with your students.
III. Focus on your students with learning difficulties or those who can focus on their tasks with
difficulties and teach them the method. Ask them to try the method at home when doing homework
and give you feedback on it.

I.1. Watch the video about the Pomodoro technique:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmWqQnhNfeU

I.2. Watch the video about focused and diffuse modes then the video about procrastination and
Pomodoro technique. These videos are from a Coursera course led by professors of University of
California.
You can register yourself for free on coursera.org, then enroll the Learning How to Learn course
for free. Here you can find these videos and you can get subtitles in your own language (Turkish,
Spanish etc.) You can find the first video between the first weeks video (Using the Focused and
Diffuse Modes) and the second video between the videos of second week (A Procrastination
Preview).

14/0045-KA2SE/SZ/2389
Hands-on Development Strategies in a Content -Centered
Context for Young and Adult Learners with Poor Basic Skills
in Literacy and Numeracy

I MPOSS IBLE
Ba sic s of Literacy an d Numeracy

The project is funded by the European Commission

I.3. The short description of Pomodoro technique:
HOW IT WORKS:
The fundamentals of the Pomodoro Technique are simple yet incredibly effective.

1. CHOOSE A TASK YOU'D LIKE TO GET DONE:

Something big, something small, something youve been putting off for a million years: it doesnt
matter. What matters is that its something that deserves your full, undivided attention.

2. SET THE POMODORO FOR 25 MINUTES:

Make a small oath to yourself: I will spend 25 minutes on this task and I will not interrupt myself. You
can do it! After all, its just 25 minutes.

3. WORK ON THE TASK UNTIL THE POMODORO RINGS

Immerse yourself in the task for the next 25 minutes. If you suddenly realize you have something else
you need to do, write the task down on a sheet of paper.

4. WHEN THE POMODORO RINGS, PUT A CHECKMARK ON A PAPER

Congratulations! Youve spent an entire, interruption-less Pomodoro on a task.

5. TAKE A SHORT BREAK

Breathe, meditate, grab a cup of coffee, go for a short walk or do something else relaxing (i.e., not
work-related). Your brain will thank you later.

6. EVERY 4 POMODOROS, TAKE A LONGER BREAK

14/0045-KA2SE/SZ/2389
Hands-on Development Strategies in a Content -Centered
Context for Young and Adult Learners with Poor Basic Skills
in Literacy and Numeracy

I MPOSS IBLE
Ba sic s of Literacy an d Numeracy

The project is funded by the European Commission

Once youve completed four pomodoros, you can take a longer break. 20 minutes is good. Or 30.
Your brain will use this time to assimilate new information and rest before the next round of
Pomodoros.

Our recommendations:
II.1. The Length of the Pomodoro
Our students are more successful if they are in focused mode (they are learning) 20 minutes, then
they have a 5 minute-break. Also the official handbook of Pomodoro technique considers the ideal
Pomodoro as 20 35 minutes long.
II.2. During the breaks:
We highly recommend doing something physical!!! (and recommend your students not to surf on
the Internet or chat with friends etc. First, they need to train other parts of their brain, secondly,
they need physical activities as well, third, it is quite impossible finish the above mentioned activities
in five minutes). So they can eg.:
- take a short walk,
- do some stretches or exercises (eg. http://workawesome.com/office-life/office-desk-exercises/ )
- walk up and down stairs
- run once around the house
- do office yoga
(eg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUf7aajBWE or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkchfobNag )
II.3. The Pomodoro
Instead of a kitchen timer, students can use their mobile (in that case we should ask them to turn
upside down their mobile and put it out of their sight otherwise they can check their messages etc.
every minute instead of concentrating on the task.
Or and it would be the best solution they can register themselves on mytomatoes.com and use
the online timer. Here they can register after every pomodoro what they have done and follow their
progression.

14/0045-KA2SE/SZ/2389
Hands-on Development Strategies in a Content -Centered
Context for Young and Adult Learners with Poor Basic Skills
in Literacy and Numeracy