Superintelligence
How Long Should a Single Learning Session Last Before Taking a Break?
Items-dependent learning sessions: A new method to enhance learning
Most people are probably familiar with the Pomodoro technique: A learning session of approximately 25 minutes followed by a 5 minute break, and so on.
The main idea why that works so well, is that by being process-oriented (i.e. time-based) is much more effective than being goal-oriented (e.g. I have to finish at least 10 pages).
Why? Because saying to yourself “I will study for 25 minutes” seems to increase the activity in the insular cortex less than saying “I have to finish at least 2 pages of homework”.
The insular cortex seems to be involved in pain i.e. saying “I have to finish at least 2 pages” causes more “pain”. Again, that’s why the Pomodoro technique is so effective.
The next method, therefore, may require more discipline (it’s goal-oriented) but I do believe it’s more effective once implemented.
Items-Dependent Learning Sessions
I f you use particular spaced repetition software like Quizlet, Anki, or SuperMemo, this method will especially become effective.
