How to Supplement Your Individual Study with Group Study
Supplementing your individual study with group study is an example of "working smart". Creating a productive study group is not an automatic process, however, and many students find it difficult to get started. What follows are frequently asked questions about forming study groups that you may find helpful.
What is a study group?
A study group is two or more people studying together. Students work together to analyze information and practice class concepts. The goal is to gain a deep, working understanding of the course concepts.
Why study with a group?
There are many benefits related to study groups which will reinforce your learning:
- Group study provides an opportunity to hear how others analyze and problem-solve;
- Group study allows you to hear the material covered in class from different perspectives and allows you to explain class concepts to others, increasing your understanding;
- It will help you stay motivated;
- You may develop some new friendships and find study partners for future classes; and
- You can get more accomplished in a shorter amount of time.
I'd like to try a study group, what do I do next?
There are many alternatives, from forming your own group to working with a Supplemental Instruction group or a group formed with the assistance of staff in the Academic Success Center, 1600 David Adamany Undergraduate Library. If you would like to form your own study group, look for students who ask questions, come to class prepared, and with whom you feel comfortable.
How do I get my questions answered in a group?
Use the following guidelines to become an effective group member:
- Become actively involved by first planning the session by making a list of what each member wants to cover during the session, and by prioritizing the list as a group;
- Estimate and assign the amount of time to spend on each topic, allowing time for review;
- Work together to clarify and answer questions and address problems.