Forming study groups is a very effective strategy for enhancing learning. This is because groups share unique insights and learn from each other. Group members can also teach confusing concepts they understand to other group members. The following are advantages of study groups and strategies for making the most of group study.
Benefits of a Study Group
1. Improve your notes
Members of a study group can compare notes since it is common to miss important concepts or details during a lecture.
Members of a study group can compare notes since it is common to miss important concepts or details during a lecture.
2. Sharing talents
Since everyone has individual talents and unique insights, group members can learn from each other.
Since everyone has individual talents and unique insights, group members can learn from each other.
3. Support System
School is very stressful, so it is advantageous to seek support from people in similar situations. Group members can also motivate each other. If you are sick or unable to attend class, you can get notes from members of your study group.
School is very stressful, so it is advantageous to seek support from people in similar situations. Group members can also motivate each other. If you are sick or unable to attend class, you can get notes from members of your study group.
4. Cover more material
Working in groups makes it possible to focus on more concepts since multiple people can review more material than just one. Many groups decide to assign certain topics for group members to study and then provide a summary for the group. This strategy also maximizes study time.
Working in groups makes it possible to focus on more concepts since multiple people can review more material than just one. Many groups decide to assign certain topics for group members to study and then provide a summary for the group. This strategy also maximizes study time.
5. It makes learning fun!
Studying with a group is a great way to liven up your study sessions. It can be very monotonous and draining spending long hours alone in the library. If learning becomes fun, which studying in a group can make it, then it will be more enjoyable.
Studying with a group is a great way to liven up your study sessions. It can be very monotonous and draining spending long hours alone in the library. If learning becomes fun, which studying in a group can make it, then it will be more enjoyable.
How to
Put Together An Effective Study Group
The following are recommendations for forming study
groups:
(a) How many
It’s recommended to keep study groups between 4 to 6 people. People often socialize too much and cannot cover as much material in smaller groups. In bigger groups, some group members do not contribute as much and organization can be a problem.
It’s recommended to keep study groups between 4 to 6 people. People often socialize too much and cannot cover as much material in smaller groups. In bigger groups, some group members do not contribute as much and organization can be a problem.
(b) Who
The most effective study is completed in study groups comprised of members with the common goal of earning good grades. Students dedicated to succeeding in school usually complete assigned reading, take extensive notes, and clear up confusion by asking questions.
The most effective study is completed in study groups comprised of members with the common goal of earning good grades. Students dedicated to succeeding in school usually complete assigned reading, take extensive notes, and clear up confusion by asking questions.
(c) Where
It is best to study in environments without distractions and areas where group members can communicate freely. Most college libraries contain group study rooms.
It is best to study in environments without distractions and areas where group members can communicate freely. Most college libraries contain group study rooms.
(d) How long
It is best not to study more than 2 to 3 hours at a time when studying in a group. During long sessions, group members tend to socialize more and do not study as productively. However, study sessions under an hour tend to be rushed and unproductive since only a few subjects can be discussed.
It is best not to study more than 2 to 3 hours at a time when studying in a group. During long sessions, group members tend to socialize more and do not study as productively. However, study sessions under an hour tend to be rushed and unproductive since only a few subjects can be discussed.
(e) When
If you plan to meet regularly with a study group, organize sessions at the same location and time. This way, individual members can have time to properly prepare prior to meeting with the group.
If you plan to meet regularly with a study group, organize sessions at the same location and time. This way, individual members can have time to properly prepare prior to meeting with the group.
(f) Leader/Facilitator You should choose a group ‘leader/facilitator’
(this could be one person or members could take turns). This person would be
responsible for keeping the group on track and on task within each session so
that no one gets frustrated with pace or with time being wasted on other things
not relevant to mastering the course material. This person should also send out
a reminder text message or email on weekly time/location info, plus any session
info that’s relevant.
Maximizing
the value of each study group session
The following are strategies for maximizing time
spent studying in groups:
Ø Create clear objectives and goals
Prior to each session, group members should discuss what they hope to achieve, so the session is productive and stays on track.
Prior to each session, group members should discuss what they hope to achieve, so the session is productive and stays on track.
Ø Be prepared
Group study can be very ineffective if individual members come unprepared for sessions. Each member of the study group should review lecture notes, complete select readings from the textbook, and identify specific subjects to study.
Group study can be very ineffective if individual members come unprepared for sessions. Each member of the study group should review lecture notes, complete select readings from the textbook, and identify specific subjects to study.
Ø Ensure participation
Every member of a study group should actively participate. A great way for each member to contribute is to assign specific topics and have each member instruct the group. Teaching is a great way for individuals to retain information.
Every member of a study group should actively participate. A great way for each member to contribute is to assign specific topics and have each member instruct the group. Teaching is a great way for individuals to retain information.
Ø Stay focused
Before each session, someone should be assigned to manage it. The person charged for leading a session must ensure it is productive and the necessary material is covered. The person responsible for managing a session should also schedule breaks to avoid getting burned out.
Before each session, someone should be assigned to manage it. The person charged for leading a session must ensure it is productive and the necessary material is covered. The person responsible for managing a session should also schedule breaks to avoid getting burned out.
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