Preprint has been published in a journal as an article
DOI of the published article https://doi.org/10.31603/paedagogie.v20i2.15255
Preprint / Version 1

The Effectiveness of the Pomodoro Technique in Reducing Academic Boredom in Elementary School Students' Literacy Learning

Efektivitas Teknik Pomodoro dalam Mereduksi Kebosanan Akademik pada Pembelajaran Literasi Siswa Sekolah Dasar

##article.authors##

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21070/ups.10027

Keywords:

Academic Boredom, Pomodoro Technique, Literacy Learning, Elementary School, Psychological Intervention

Abstract

Academic boredom significantly affects literacy learning in elementary schools through unpleasant emotional experiences, cognitive deficits, and reduced motivation. This study examined the effectiveness of the adapted Pomodoro Technique in reducing academic boredom among fifth-grade students. Using a true experimental design, 53 students from SDN Krembung 1 were randomly assigned to experimental (n=27) and control (n=26) groups. The experimental group received Pomodoro Technique intervention (15 minutes focus, 5 minutes break) for 6 weeks. Academic boredom was measured using the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire Academic Boredom Subscale (α=0.906). Results showed highly significant boredom reduction in the experimental group (20.70% decrease) compared to control (2.87% decrease), with very large effect size (Cohen's d=-1.63, p<0.001). The Pomodoro Technique proved 7.36 times more effective than conventional learning, primarily addressing cognitive dimensions through attention optimization and mental fatigue prevention, supporting SDG 4 achievement.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Affandi, G. R., Hadi, C., Fardana, N. A., & Rahman, M. N. B. A., “Adaptation and Validation of the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire Academic Boredom Subscale in Indonesian Islamic Boarding Schools,” Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal, vol. 8, no. 2, 2025, doi: 10.25217/0020258654400.

Zimmerman, B. J., “Attaining Self-Regulation,” in Handbook of Self-Regulation, 2000, pp. 13–39, doi: 10.1016/B978-012109890-2/50031-7.

Bunzeck, N., & Düzel, E., “Absolute Coding of Stimulus Novelty in the Human Substantia Nigra/VTA,” Neuron, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 369–379, 2006, doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.06.021.

Cirillo, F., The Pomodoro Technique: The Acclaimed Time-Management System That Has Transformed How We Work. Crown Currency, 2018.

Csikszentmihalyi, M., Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2009.

Daniels, L. M., Haynes, T. L., Stupnisky, R. H., Perry, R. P., Newall, N. E., & Pekrun, R., “Individual Differences in Achievement Goals: A Longitudinal Study of Cognitive, Emotional, and Achievement Outcomes,” Contemporary Educational Psychology, vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 584–608, 2008, doi: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2007.08.002.

Daschmann, E. C., Goetz, T., & Stupnisky, R. H., “Exploring the Antecedents of Boredom: Do Teachers Know Why Students Are Bored?” Teaching and Teacher Education, vol. 39, pp. 22–30, 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.tate.2013.11.009.

Diamond, A., “Executive Functions,” Annual Review of Psychology, vol. 64, no. 1, pp. 135–168, 2013, doi: 10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750.

Eastwood, J. D., Frischen, A., Fenske, M. J., & Smilek, D., “The Unengaged Mind: Defining Boredom in Terms of Attention,” Perspectives on Psychological Science, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 482–495, 2012, doi: 10.1177/1745691612456044.

Fritea, I., & Fritea, R., “Can Motivational Regulation Counteract the Effects of Boredom on Academic Achievement?” Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 78, pp. 135–139, 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.04.266.

Kahneman, D., Attention and Effort. Prentice-Hall, 1973.

Kane, M. J., & Engle, R. W., “The Role of Prefrontal Cortex in Working-Memory Capacity, Executive Attention, and General Fluid Intelligence: An Individual-Differences Perspective,” Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 637–671, 2002, doi: 10.3758/BF03196323.

Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S., The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge Univ. Press, 1989.

Larson, R. W., & Richards, M. H., “Boredom in the Middle School Years: Blaming Schools versus Blaming Students,” American Journal of Education, vol. 99, no. 4, pp. 418–443, 1991, doi: 10.1086/443992.

Patrick, B. C., Skinner, E. A., & Connell, J. P., “What Motivates Children’s Behavior and Emotion? Joint Effects of Perceived Control and Autonomy in the Academic Domain,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 65, no. 4, pp. 781–791, 1993, doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.65.4.781.

Pekrun, R., Goetz, T., Daniels, L. M., Stupnisky, R. H., & Perry, R. P., “Boredom in Achievement Settings: Exploring Control–Value Antecedents and Performance Outcomes of a Neglected Emotion,” Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 102, no. 3, pp. 531–549, 2010, doi: 10.1037/a0019243.

Rapor Pendidikan Indonesia · Semua Wilayah · 2023, Portal Data Kemendikdasmen, accessed Jul. 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://data.kemendikdasmen.go.id/publikasi/p/rapor-pendidikan-indonesia/rapor-pendidikan-indonesia-2023

Robinson, W. P., “Boredom at School,” British Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 141–152, 1975, doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8279.1975.tb03239.x.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L., “Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and New Directions,” Contemporary Educational Psychology, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 54–67, 2000, doi: 10.1006/ceps.1999.1020.

Sørlie, M.-A., & Nordahl, T., Problematferd i Skolen: Hovedfunn, Forklaringer, og Pedagogiske Implikasjoner. Norsk institutt for forskning om oppvekst, velferd og aldring, 1998.

Steel, P., & König, C. J., “Integrating Theories of Motivation,” Academy of Management Review, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 889–913, 2006, doi: 10.5465/amr.2006.22527462.

Sweller, J., “Cognitive Load During Problem Solving: Effects on Learning,” Cognitive Science, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 257–285, 1988, doi: 10.1207/s15516709cog1202_4.

Tze, V. M. C., Daniels, L. M., & Klassen, R. M., “Evaluating the Relationship Between Boredom and Academic Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis,” Educational Psychology Review, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 119–144, 2016, doi: 10.1007/s10648-015-9301-y.

Zimmerman, B. J., “Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview,” Theory Into Practice, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 64–70, 2002, doi: 10.1207/s15430421tip4102_2.

Posted

2026-02-02