This is my suggestion on how to combine the Pomodoro Technique, SQ3R, mind mapping, and active recall into a powerful, step-by-step study strategy for improved focus, retention, and understanding.

Preparation

1. Plan Your Study Material:
- Decide on the specific material or chapter you’ll study.
- Have tools ready: books, notebooks, mind mapping software/paper, timers for Pomodoro, and flashcards (if using spaced repetition).
2. Set Pomodoro Timer:
- Set your Pomodoro timer for 25 minutes (or your preferred interval, depending on your preferences). Prepare to focus only on studying for that period.

Step 1: Survey (SQ3R) + Mind Mapping (cycle 1)

Goal: Get a general overview and create the initial mind map.
- 1.1 Survey the material:
  - Skim through the chapter or content quickly.
  - Look at the headings, subheadings, bold text, diagrams, and any summaries.
- 1.2 Start the Mind Map:
  - In your mind map, put the main topic in the center and create branches for each major section based on what you surveyed.
- 1.3 Formulate Questions:
  - Write down questions based on the headings and subheadings, either on the mind map or separately. These will guide your deeper reading and be used for active recall later.
End of Pomodoro cycle 1: Take a 5-minute break.

Step 2: Question + Read + Expand Mind Map (cycle 2)

Goal: Deeply engage with the text and add more information to the mind map.
- 2.1 Read the material thoroughly:
  - Read through the chapter or section. While reading, focus on answering the questions you formulated earlier.
- 2.2 Expand the Mind Map:
  - As you read, continue adding new details, definitions, key points, and connections to your mind map.
  - Use symbols, keywords, or small diagrams to enhance visualization.
- 2.3 Highlight Answers to Questions:
  - Make sure to write down or highlight key points that answer your original questions directly on the mind map or in notes.
End of Pomodoro cycle 2: Take a 5-minute break.

Step 3: Recite + Active Recall + Self-Explanation (cycle 3)

Goal: Test your understanding by recalling the material and explaining it in your own words.
- 3.1 Active Recall:
  - Close your book and try to recall the key concepts and details from memory.
  - Use the mind map to guide your recall but try not to look at it until after you’ve attempted to retrieve the information on your own.
- 3.2 Self-Explanation (Feynman Technique):
  - Explain the concepts as if teaching someone else, simplifying them as much as possible.
  - If you struggle to explain something, note it down as a gap and revisit that material.
- 3.3 Recite and Fill in Gaps:
  - After your self-explanation attempt, refer back to your book or mind map to correct any missed or misunderstood points.
End of Pomodoro cycle 3: Take a 5-minute break.

Step 4: Review + Active Recall + Spaced Repetition (cycle 4)

Goal: Review the mind map and actively recall information to solidify long-term retention.
- 4.1 Review Your Mind Map:
  - Go over your completed mind map from memory. Without looking, try to recall each branch and detail.
- 4.2 Active Recall Testing:
  - Use the questions you wrote earlier for self-testing. Try answering them without referencing your notes.
  - Focus on explaining answers in your own words again.
- 4.3 Plan for Spaced Repetition:
  - Schedule your next review session based on spaced repetition principles. Set reminders for reviewing the material in 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, etc., to reinforce memory.
End of Pomodoro cycle 4: Take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

Step 5: Repeat for Additional Material (Next Pomodoro Cycles)

Optional: If you need to study more material or chapters, repeat this cycle. Continue breaking down larger topics into Pomodoro intervals to stay focused and maintain productivity.

Overview of Study Flow:

Cycle 1: Survey the material and create a basic mind map.
Cycle 2: Read in detail, expanding the mind map and answering your questions.
Cycle 3: Recite and use active recall and self-explanation to test your understanding.
Cycle 4: Review and reinforce learning using spaced repetition.

Tips to Optimize This Approach:

Use an app or timer to track your Pomodoro sessions.
Adjust Pomodoro intervals if you prefer longer study sessions (e.g., 40 minutes).
Keep tweaking your mind maps during breaks to add clarity.
Reflect on your progress at the end of each study block to evaluate what’s working.

By following this step-by-step approach, you’ll have a powerful and structured system for studying, integrating proven techniques to help you absorb, retain, and recall information effectively!

A Simple Guide to Combining Pomodoro, SQ3R, and Mind Mapping