The Benefits of Study Groups

Why Form a Study Group

Group study is a helpful way to reinforce personal study and expand the range of learning. Take a moment to ponder some of the advantages discussed below.

• Group study builds student and group confidence in preparing for difficult tests. Like an athletic team, students bond together to achieve a common purpose of conquering material and achieving higher levels.
• Group study helps each individual see differing perspectives of their fellow students. Through frequent group interaction, students begin to see the material from different points of view. For example, the group will form unique test questions because each member perceives the emphasis of the book and teacher differently.
• Group study creates an opportunity for each student to expand material the teacher has given. The group will formulate answers to questions that as individuals they would not have considered.

How to Form a Study Group

Study group sessions can divert to social discussions that lead the group away from academic purposes. To promote success, students can follow simple steps as they form groups.

• Establish a shared purpose. In the very first meeting, define the purpose and goals of the group. For example, meeting every week at a specific time or designing a possible test to review with the teacher.
• Clarify roles and practices. Select a chairperson during the first meeting. Define the role of each student. The group will be more successful as the roles and expectations are more specific.
• Plan a schedule. The chairperson and the group should take time to plan the material (chapters, lectures, books, articles, notes) to be covered in future meetings.
• Conduct effective meetings. The chairperson is expected to set a meeting agenda and keep it. A meeting outline will keep the group focused.

What to Do Before the Study Group Meets

Preparation for group study begins with effective personal study. Five important activities should take place during personal study.

• Finalize lecture notes by completing unfinished sections and placing them in the desired format. Highlight items that seem most important and make a summary which includes the most significant points.
• Complete required reading. It is preferred to take notes as you read. At a minimum, class reading should be completed and important passages highlighted or marked in the margins.
• Write three to five knowledge questions. It is important to get a feel for the type of examination the teacher will use. Knowledge questions deal with the recall of facts and figures and are generally true/false, multiple choice, or fill in the blank questions.
• Draft three to five comprehension or application questions. These questions are created to help you understand more difficult concepts the teacher may ask in future tests. Comprehension questions ask the student to rephrase a topic into their own words. Application questions ask the student to solve a problem or demonstrate ability. These questions are usually solved through short reply or short essay.
• Compose several creative essay questions. It is helpful to write questions which help you analyze, synthesize, or evaluate concepts. Write more difficult questions than you think the instructor will test. Doing so will help get into deep learning habits.