Is a College Study Group Right for You?
Everyone has heard of all-nighters during finals week, but have you ever considered a more practical method of learning your study material? The study group is a tried and true method of covering everything your professor is asking of you. What's more, with a group to support your learning, you'll more than cover it, you'll ace it! The group will help fill in the blanks for one another and share each respective viewpoint. You have to be careful though, not to use the tie together as a social hour or method of procrastination. Every minute counts if you want to maximize your efforts.
One of the most effective tools of getting together with others to study is paraphrasing. Think about it. The more you repeat an idea or concept, the more likely you are to commit it to memory. When you and others in your group continually start sentences with, "In other words..." you are breaking down a complicated idea into comprehendible material. Each member should read a page and break it down for the group in their own words. This type of group learning also helps give new perspective, develops work skills and goes a long way toward preparing for tests. Here are some things you need to know before you get started:
1. Choosing your group. If a study group is too big it's not nearly as effective as it could be, so keep it down to between 4 and 6 members. Choose a moderator to keep things moving and assign tasks. Keep in mind that the smarter the members, the more stimulating the conversations will be. If you end up with a member who isn't interested in learning, the whole group could suffer.
2. Every week should move you through the course work. Each member should be prepared for each meeting, with his or her material studied and ready to break down for the rest of you. There should also be periodical quizzes as well.
Not only will you all cover the bases of your curriculum, you'll be interacting with people whom you might not normally come in contact with. You have your dorm friends, but it never hurts to spread your wings and meet new people right? The more you prepare for your classes, the less stress you'll feel.
As you can see, going it alone isn't the best path to scholastic success. Sure, there are times when curling up with your text book is the only way to get things done. But if you incorporate a study group into your plans, chances are you'll be anything but sorry.
One of the most effective tools of getting together with others to study is paraphrasing. Think about it. The more you repeat an idea or concept, the more likely you are to commit it to memory. When you and others in your group continually start sentences with, "In other words..." you are breaking down a complicated idea into comprehendible material. Each member should read a page and break it down for the group in their own words. This type of group learning also helps give new perspective, develops work skills and goes a long way toward preparing for tests. Here are some things you need to know before you get started:
1. Choosing your group. If a study group is too big it's not nearly as effective as it could be, so keep it down to between 4 and 6 members. Choose a moderator to keep things moving and assign tasks. Keep in mind that the smarter the members, the more stimulating the conversations will be. If you end up with a member who isn't interested in learning, the whole group could suffer.
2. Every week should move you through the course work. Each member should be prepared for each meeting, with his or her material studied and ready to break down for the rest of you. There should also be periodical quizzes as well.
Not only will you all cover the bases of your curriculum, you'll be interacting with people whom you might not normally come in contact with. You have your dorm friends, but it never hurts to spread your wings and meet new people right? The more you prepare for your classes, the less stress you'll feel.
As you can see, going it alone isn't the best path to scholastic success. Sure, there are times when curling up with your text book is the only way to get things done. But if you incorporate a study group into your plans, chances are you'll be anything but sorry.
About the Author:
The author, Marshall Schumacher, has written nearly two hundred articles on online degree programs, the importance of college accreditation, online colleges and career preparation.