benefits of study groups & characteristics of successful groups

BENEFITS OF STUDY GROUPSSTARTING A STUDY GROUP

& CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL GROUPS

Study Groups

The Benefits of a Study Group

A study group can help to “pick you up” when you find that your motivation to study is slipping.

The other members can be seen as a source of encouragement.

Benefits of Study Groups

You may be reluctant to ask a question in class and may find it easier to ask it in a small group setting.


Working with a group may help you to feel more like you want to succeed so that you don’t let the group down.


Group members will listen and discuss information and concepts during study sessions.

This helps to strengthen auditory learning which is a key teaching style in most classrooms.


One or more group members are likely to understand something you do not.

This may bring up ideas you never considered before.

Benefits of a Study Group

You can learn valuable new study habits from other members in the group.


You can compare your notes with those of the other group members and fill in any gaps.


Teaching/explaining information and concepts to the other group members will help you reinforce mastery of the information and concepts.


Let’s face it—studying can be boring. Interacting with other group members can make studying enjoyable.

Getting a Study Group Started

Study groups don’t just happen

Look around your classes to find… Students who are motivated to do well Students who understand the subject matter Student who are dependable Students who are open minded Students who you would like to work with

Starting a Study Group

A good size group will have three to five members.


Decide how often and how long you will meet2-3 times a week may be bestBe sure to include times for breaks60-90 minute sessions are best


Decide when and where you will meet A classroom free of distractions A study room in the library


Decide on the GOALS of the group Comparing and updating notes Discussing readings Preparing for exams


Decide who the leader will be for the first meeting

Decide whether it will be the same leader or a rotating leader

The leader will be responsible for meeting goals of that study session


Clearly set an agenda for the first study session

Set the responsibilities for each of the members of the group

Characteristics of Successful Study Groups

Each group member contributesActive listening is a key componentGroup members work together to solve issuesGroup members are prompt and ready to

work

Characteristics of Successful Study Groups

The group stays on task in reference to their agenda

Group members show respect for each otherConstructive criticism is the only criticismGroup members feel free to ask one another

questionsAgendas are set for the next study sessionAbove all, the positive attitude of “We can do

this together” is maintained

HOW TO COMBAT TAKING A TEST

Studying for Tests

Before the test…

Find out the following information What material will be covered What type of test it will be (m/c, t/f, short essay, etc) How the test will be graded How much the test will count

Before the test…

Study in a place free from distractionsStudy at a time when you are alert and not

hungryStudy short sessions for several days instead

of one long study session the night beforeSet a goal for each study period

Before the test….

Repetition is key…read and re-read your class notes and relevant chapters

Summarize your notes out loudCreate your own study aids

Flashcards Outlines Timelines Your own quiz

During the test…

Read the instructions carefullyRead the entire test through before startingAnswer the easiest questions firstLeave the most time for questions with

highest point value or that require a lot of writing

Leave time to check over your workWrite clearly

After the test…

When the test is returned, read the teacher’s comments and try to learn from your mistakes

Save tests for later review and end-of-term tests

benefits of study groups & characteristics of successful groups

Documents