Working with other students in study groups can be an effective tool to enhance learning and improve grades. When the right group of students comes together at the right time to study, new insights are discovered as the students become teachers, critical thinkers, and cooperative learners.
There are many benefits that come from study groups, but the key is learning how and when to use them. One benefit is to improved class notes. When students come together with each other and compare notes from a lecture, they may learn a lot from what others have written down. Seeing how other students write out their notes and what they choose to include or not include helps you see how others understand the same lecture. This can give you an opportunity to learn from other students or teach others what you understood. Teaching is one of the best ways to help you learn better what you believe you already know. Often times, you may have missed important concepts or details from a lecture and comparing with others gives a more complete idea of what went on during a particular class.
Study groups also provide a social support system, which can be beneficial each day while surviving the school year. School is demanding and can be stressful at times so being able to relate to others and feel a sense of unity will build confidence, self-esteem, help students to maintain a positive outlook, and decrease stress. Also, working in a group can be more stimulating and even fun, which will make it more enjoyable - less monotonous and mentally draining.
So how should students form a study group, who should be in it, where, when, and how long and often should they meet? These are some of the key factors that will lead to those desired benefits and success. Study groups are most effective when kept small, meaning around 4-6 people. If there are too few people, it may become too social or too many people may contribute to others not doing their part to better the study group. Choose study group members who have the same goals for good grades, who are successful students, who complete their assignments and take good notes. It is important for those around you to make you better and for you to be better.
Choose a place to meet where you can carry on a discussion with disrupting others, but also where there are not distractions surrounding you. Depending on the occasion, whether reviewing for a short quiz, a large test, or just discussing the new class material for the week, you may need a short or long meeting period. Generally 1-2 hours is a good amount of time to study with others. Give yourself enough time to get things done, but not too much as so that the group becomes too social and unproductive.
Before meeting as a study group, decide what the goal will be for that session and what will need to be accomplished as a way to measure your success. You may want to choose a leader who will keep the group focused and on task. Another great way to keep each member focused is to assign each person a duty before attending the group. This will ensure that every member is contributing and participating and comes to the group prepared.
School and learning are often times demanding, challenging, and stressful. However, this is a part of life that each of us goes through. Learning study tools and strategies for survival help tremendously as students attempt to accomplish their goals. Study groups, if done effectively as mentioned above, are one of many tools that can lead to success for students.
Now, go and decide how to form your study group to take your grades to the next level!
