Benifits of Group Studies:

Study Groups

A very effective way of preparing for class discussions and test is by using a study group. A study group can provide a lot of benefits over studying alone. However, there are some potential pitfalls you’ll want to avoid if you decide to form a study group. The following are the benefits, characteristics and pitfalls of study groups.

Benefits of a Study Group

* A study group can provide emotional support and motivation when your enthusiasm for the subject is slipping. Often working together as team in and of itself is motivating.

* You can rely on the knowledge of the other study group participants to answer difficult questions you were afraid to ask in class.

* The cumulative knowledge of the group is likely to be much greater than the knowledge of any individual group member. Consequently, as a group you are able to help each other better understand difficult concepts and you can learn from the knowledge of the other members.

* For auditory learners study groups are especially beneficial because you listen to the group discuss information and concepts.

* If you know that your study group is relying on you you’re likely to prepare yourself well for your study sessions so that you don’t let the other group members down.

* Study groups are useful because they provide you the opportunity to compare your notes with those of the other members in the group. This will help you develop more complete notes.

* Participating in a study group provides you the opportunity to teach and explain information and concepts to the other group members. Teaching others is an excellent way to reinforce the information and concepts in your own mind.

* Studying in groups is fun. This makes preparing for a test or class discussion enjoyable.

Putting Together An Effective Study Group

* First, you need to realize that study groups don’t just happen. Also, know that getting together with your best friends isn’t the best way for forming an effective study group.

* You should select classmates for your study group that are:
- Motivated
- Knowledgeable
- Open to other people’s ideas
- Dependable
- That you get along with
* Typically a study group should consist of three to five people. Having less than three people in a study group makes the group less effective. Including more than five people in study group makes it difficult to manage responsibilities within the group, may lead to some individuals avoiding responsibility and can cause cliques to form. Again, as a rule of thumb an effective study group should have three to five members.

* An effective study group usually meets together three times a week for an hour to an hour and a half.

* You should select a designated location for your study group to meet. This location should be free of any distractions. Libraries are great places to have study groups, as well as empty classrooms. Conducting study groups at group members’ homes is usually less effective since there are usually many distractions.

* A study group should have direction and purpose. As a group you should set short and long-term goals and decided how you are going to accomplish those goals.

* While a study group doesn’t need a leader it is helpful to have a specified leader for each study session. The study session leader is responsible for keeping the study session on topic and making sure that the study session goals are accomplished before the study session ends.

* Put together a group member roster. This will include the name, telephone number and email address for each group member. After the roster is complete make sure that each individual in the group is given a copy.

Attributes of A Successful Study Group

* Each group member needs to actively listen when another group member is speaking. Group members should not interrupt or speak while another group member is speaking. An effective way for ensuring that every group member can participate is for the group session leader to select individuals to speak when they raise their hand.

* In a successful study group every member participates and contributes.

* Study group members should work together to resolve group concerns or issues.

* Group members arrive on time to study group sessions.

* Group members show up to study sessions well prepared.

* The study group doesn’t stray from the study session agenda.

* The study group accomplished the goals of each study session.

* Group members are respectful of one another and are open to the ideas of the other group members.

* Group members can accept constructive criticism.

* At the end of each study session a list of responsibilities is prepare. This list will include the responsibility of each group member for the next study session.

Common Pitfalls of a Study Group

As we mentioned previously, a study group can be a very useful and effective way to study, learn new concepts and prepare for exams. However, study groups can also be very ineffective if not managed correctly.

* Make sure to stay focused on the goals of your study session. Do not spend time talking about unrelated subjects.

* Make sure the study group stays positive. Don’t focus on how hard your class is or how much you dislike your teacher.

* All group members must come prepared. Make sure any group member that arrives unprepared to study session understands that they must come prepared to every study session.

* Do not allow one or two group members to dominate group discussion. All group members should participate equally.