Do you have students who struggle to stay focused for long periods of time?
Many students believe they need to sit and work for hours to be productive. In reality, short bursts of focused work are often more effective than forcing concentration when attention is fading.
A study conducted by Biwer et al. (2023) found that students who took pre-determined breaks when studying online experienced improved mood and focus compared to those who took self-regulated breaks. Students who took self-regulated breaks were more fatigued, distracted and experienced less concentration and motivation than students who took pre-determined breaks
Try introducing the Pomodoro Technique:
- Work for 25 minutes
- Take a 5-minute break
- Work for another 25 minutes
- Take another 5-minute break
After four work periods, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
This technique can help students reduce overwhelm, improve focus, build momentum, and make large assessments feel more manageable. Rather than thinking, “I have so much work to do!”, the Pomodoro Technique can help students shift their mindset to, “I only need to focus for the next 25 minutes.”
Hint: Try using the Pomodoro Technique with your whole class during assessment time. This helps ensure students don’t feel singled out for needing support, while also providing structure and focus that can benefit everyone.
Regular breaks can improve focus, not reduce it.
References:
Biwer, F., Wiradhany, W., oude Egbrink, M. G. A., & de Bruin, A. B. H. (2023). Understanding effort regulation: Comparing “Pomodoro” breaks and self-regulated breaks. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(52), 353-367. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12593