3 Japanese Techniques for Guaranteed Success in Entrance Exam Preparation

Success in entrance exams isn't just about hard work; it's about smart work. The Japanese, known for their efficiency and effectiveness, have gifted us these 3 techniques that can significantly boost our focus, concentration, and organization.

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In this article, we'll explore three powerful techniques: the Pomodoro Technique for focus, the Kaizen Technique for concentration, and the Kanban Boards for organization. Implementing these methods can transform your study habits and bring you closer to your dream career.

So, for all the students reading this, this newsletter is TAILORED especially for YOU!

Pomodoro Technique: Boost Your Focus in 25 minutes

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. These intervals are called "Pomodoros."

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique in increasing your focus?

1. Choose a Task: Pick the subject or topic you need to study.
2. Set a Timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes.
3. Work: Focus on the task until the timer rings.
4. Break: Take a 5-minute break.
5. Repeat: After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

Let's understand further with a real-time example

Imagine you're studying for the CAT Entrance Exam, and you decide to tackle an algebra problem using the Pomodoro Technique:

- First Pomodoro: Solve quadratic equations.

- Break: Grab a snack or stretch.

- Second Pomodoro: Move on to graphing linear equations.

- Break: Check your phone or take a quick walk.

- Third Pomodoro: Practice word problems.

- Break: Do a short meditation.

- Fourth Pomodoro: Review and correct mistakes from previous problems.

VOILA!

By breaking your study session into manageable chunks, you can maintain high levels of concentration and avoid burnout.

Kaizen Technique: Continuous Improvement for Study Habits

Kaizen, meaning "change for the better," is a Japanese philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement. It involves making small, incremental changes that can lead to significant improvements over time.

How to Apply Kaizen to Studying

1. Identify Areas for Improvement: Look for small changes you can make in your study routine.
2. Set Small Goals: Instead of aiming to study for 5 hours straight, start with 30-minute sessions.
3. Implement Changes Gradually: Introduce one small change at a time, like reviewing notes daily.
4. Monitor Progress: Keep track of your improvements and adjust as needed.

Let's understand further with a real-time example

Suppose you find it hard to stay organized. Using Kaizen, you might:

- Week 1: Spend 5 minutes each evening organizing your study space.

- Week 2: Dedicate 10 minutes every day to review and summarize notes.

- Week 3: Begin setting daily study goals and tracking your achievements.

- Week 4: Introduce a short reflection period at the end of each study session to assess what worked and what didn’t.

Over a month, these small changes can create a powerful, disciplined study habit.

Kanban Boards: Visualize Your Tasks for Better Organization

Kanban is a visual tool that helps manage tasks and workflow. Originating from lean manufacturing, it's now widely used in various fields, including education. A Kanban board uses cards, columns, and continuous improvement to help you visualize your tasks and progress.

Setting Up a Kanban Board:

1. Create Columns: Typically, these columns are "To Do," "In Progress," & "Done."

2. Write Tasks on Cards: Break your study materials into tasks and write them on cards.

3. Move Cards: As you work through tasks, move the cards across the columns.

Let's understand further with a real-time example

For a student preparing for entrance exams, a Kanban board might look like this:

- To Do: List all the topics you need to cover, like Biology chapters, Chemistry experiments, or English essays.

- In Progress: Move the card for "Biology - Chapter 5" when you start studying it.

- Done: Move the card to "Done" once you’ve mastered the topic.

A Kanban board provides a clear visual representation of your progress and helps keep you motivated as you see tasks moving to the "Done" column.

By incorporating these Japanese techniques into your study routine, you can significantly enhance your focus, concentration, and organization. Remember, success in entrance exams isn't just about studying hard; it's about studying smart.

Give these techniques a try and watch your efficiency soar!

Share the most effective technique in your opinion at [email protected] and we will give you a shout-out on our Instagram Page!

Warm Regards,

Saloni Nema | Better Tomorrow