Learning Strategies

Breaks for enhanced efficiency

Breaks are not just an important element of any good learning plan, but also play an essential role in ensuring the achievement of your learning objectives.

Why?

  1. The biochemical processes that occur in our brains when we learn take longer than you might think!
Periods of rest allow our brains to process and consolidate what we have just learned. This essentially means that learning continues at a subconscious level even when we are taking a break.

      2. Concentration is indispensable to successful learning – but it is not an infinite resource.  

There is no escaping the fact that our concentration diminishes over time. At some point it gets so low that we need to rest and recharge, which then enables us to focus greater attention on the learning process when we return to it. To put it another way, we need breaks in order to remain focused during learning sessions.
Can you remember the attention curve for students in lectures in the earlier section on control processes? It is a similar situation when you engage in self-study – sooner or later your concentration levels drop. Errors then begin to creep in and you are less and less able to process the material in front of you. Breaks counteract this problem.

When?

Not sure if you need a break? The following checklist will help you find out if you do:

Time for a break? If you answer any of the following questions with “yes” it probably is!

  • Do your thoughts keep straying from the topic at hand?
  • Are you constantly yawning
  • Are you restless (tapping your foot is one of many potential signs) and feel like getting some fresh air or exercise?
  • Are you hungry or thirsty?
  • Do you need the toilet?

How?

Many degree courses require marathon-like revision. It is therefore sensible to create a clear learning schedule that sets aside time during which you can focus on your physical and mental well-being. Here are a few basic rules to get you started:
  • Conserve your energy!
  • Study for no more than 6 hours a day – but make those hours count!
  • 8-hour days should be the exception and not the rule
  • Set aside 1 free day per week
  • Take lots of short breaks rather than a few long breaks
  • Include an ample lunch break in your daily schedule

The pomodoro technique
The diagram opposite provides an example of how such a schedule might look. Setting a timer will help you keep to the times you select for each block. If you are “in the learning zone” when the timer goes off you can always extend the session and shift your breaks around accordingly. And if you are within touching distance of completing what you have planned for a block it is a good idea to take a few minutes to finish up. It is also vital that you listen to your body: If you find yourself staring at the page without absorbing any information then it is definitely time for a break!

                                                                    Source[1]

[1] http://www.schieb.de/735413/standby-und-ruhe-zustand-das-ist-der-unterschied;   http://www.adfc-marburg.de/akt_tour.php, date of last retrieval: 07.02.20