Study Skills:

Study Groups

A study group is a small group of students with similar goals who meet regularly to review course material and prepare for exams.

Research shows students learn more from teaching each other
Maximize your time efficiency by dividing up large tasks into more manageable chunks
Confirm your understanding and comprehension by explaining ideas to others
Find answers to your questions from peers
Avoid falling behind in class by regularly reviewing material
Enhance your knowledge of the subject area
Studying doesn’t have to be a boring, solitary activity. Make it fun and meet new people.

Only include students who are fully willing to participate
Keep the group small (3-6 students is most effective)
Plan to meet regularly—not just before exams
Find a good location (classroom, meeting room at library, etc.) with helpful resources such a chalkboards and moveable furniture
Hold each member accountable to prepare for study sessions ahead of time (assign each person to review certain material to teach)
Make a list of questions your group has and meet with instructor for clarification
Review of what you have learned at conclusion of study session
At end of each study group, determine what you will review next session and assign each member a specific task to complete

Meet regularly after class to share and compare notes.
Your teammate may have picked up on something you missed.
Orally reviewing notes is an excellent way to begin to learn the material and identify any questions you have.
Use chalkboard to illustrate any concepts or problems
Create visual organizers to aid in learning & review (matrixes, outlines, concept maps, etc.)

After each member has individually read the assigned reading, discuss each chapter - how does the reading compare with the notes?
Assign sections of the reading for team members to summarize and teach to the group

Your study group should meet with the course instructor to answer questions and seek assistance preparing for exams.
This sends a message to the instructor that you are serious about doing well in the course

Work on sample problems independently and in groups
Write a list of steps for completing the problem & take turns explaining how to solve problems
Decide on a few problems to work independently to confirm understanding
Utilize chalkboard to ensure everyone understands how to work problem

Assign each team member certain sections to review and teach
Ask each team member to create a study guide for his/her section
Formulate sample test questions and take practice exams simulating the testing conditions (amount of time; without books, notes, etc.)
Review practice exams to determine why any problems were answered incorrectly