Study groups - Working together towards a common goal
As the name suggests, a study group is a group of people who study and learn together. Group studying can be a good way to review material and prepare for a big exam. However, this only works if the group has a plan and if a few rules are agreed upon, because otherwise a study group can become a drain where you can waste a lot of time and energy.
A successful study group still requires its members to work independently. If everyone can work through the material on their own and go to the group meeting with a basic knowledge of the contents, they can help each other more effectively. Explaining something to someone else tests your knowledge on a topic, forces you to repeat what you have learned and reinforces it. Comments, corrections, additions and constructive criticism help everyone to gain a better knowledge of a subject.
By sharing information in a group, you can fill in each other's gaps in knowledge. If you don't understand something, your group members can help you and explain the material again to help you. They can also point out your mistakes to improve your knowledge.
When learning in a group you'll discover which learning strategies and methods your peers prefer. You can try these out and implement them if they also work for you.
Another method for a study group is to divide up the topics that need to be covered. Each individual takes a fraction of the work, learns it and then explains it to the other group members. This can save valuable time that can be used for other purposes.
In order to prevent this and to ensure that a study group works, a number of ground rules should be agreed upon:
Group size: The larger the group, the more disruptive it becomes. Having too many members increases the likelihood of becoming unfocused. The more people there are also means each member has less time or opportunity to speak. On the other hand, in a large group, with more people and more perspectives, complex issues can be looked at from more angles. Therefore, an ideal group size is between two and five members.
Type of members: Study groups work best when members bring different skills that complement each other and work well together. So, seek out members whose individual skills complement your own. In order to minimise the chance of conflict, you should also look for people who are similar to you and share the same attitudes and goals.
Long-term collaboration: Once you find a good study group, try to keep it up! Achieving common goals builds trust and you get to know each individual's strengths so that you can make the most of them.
Discuss your individual and common goals, as well as your expectations of the study group, then agree on a shared goal and write it down.
Set yourselves smaller goals that contribute to achieving the main objective, and agree on a timescale for completing them. Also, set dates for your future meetings and prepare for those meetings. Plan enough time for each meeting so that you can cover the topics in detail. As a rule, it takes longer to work on a topic in a study group than alone, so make sure to take that into account.
Another important aspect to decide on is the location for your meetings. It is best to choose a neutral place where you will not be disturbed. For example, many libraries have study rooms that are intended for group studying.
Appreciation and respect for each other and the work you're doing can be a source of motivation. When each member sees that their work for the group is valued and recognised, it will increase their willingness and morale. Constructive feedback and praise can work wonders. Be aware that a group can only learn successfully and productively if everyone participates equally.
Generally, a group can achieve more than an individual. If you are studying for an exam with a huge amount of content, it makes sense to divide the material within a study group and explain it to each other so that you are not alone with a mountain of tasks and drowning in a sea of material. On our blog you can read some other tips for exams to help you and your study group navigate exam time.
Now, nothing stands in the way of a productive and effective study group.
Benefits of being in a study group
Humans have been learning from one another for a very long time. In a study group, you can exchange ideas, fill in any gaps in your knowledge and improve your understanding.A successful study group still requires its members to work independently. If everyone can work through the material on their own and go to the group meeting with a basic knowledge of the contents, they can help each other more effectively. Explaining something to someone else tests your knowledge on a topic, forces you to repeat what you have learned and reinforces it. Comments, corrections, additions and constructive criticism help everyone to gain a better knowledge of a subject.
By sharing information in a group, you can fill in each other's gaps in knowledge. If you don't understand something, your group members can help you and explain the material again to help you. They can also point out your mistakes to improve your knowledge.
When learning in a group you'll discover which learning strategies and methods your peers prefer. You can try these out and implement them if they also work for you.
Another method for a study group is to divide up the topics that need to be covered. Each individual takes a fraction of the work, learns it and then explains it to the other group members. This can save valuable time that can be used for other purposes.
Rules for an efficient study group
Study groups often start out highly motivated, but they can lose focus as time goes on. The reasons for this can include not meeting up enough, getting side-tracked and not having a shared goal. When the study group loses motivation, time will be wasted.In order to prevent this and to ensure that a study group works, a number of ground rules should be agreed upon:
1. Group organisation
The organisation of the group is the foundation of a successful study group. It's important to choose the right group members from the start. You should consider the following points:Group size: The larger the group, the more disruptive it becomes. Having too many members increases the likelihood of becoming unfocused. The more people there are also means each member has less time or opportunity to speak. On the other hand, in a large group, with more people and more perspectives, complex issues can be looked at from more angles. Therefore, an ideal group size is between two and five members.
Type of members: Study groups work best when members bring different skills that complement each other and work well together. So, seek out members whose individual skills complement your own. In order to minimise the chance of conflict, you should also look for people who are similar to you and share the same attitudes and goals.
Long-term collaboration: Once you find a good study group, try to keep it up! Achieving common goals builds trust and you get to know each individual's strengths so that you can make the most of them.
2. Set goals and deadlines
Before you start studying as a group, some questions should be discussed so that the purpose of the study group is clear: Is it to save time? To stay motivated? To close any gaps in knowledge? To prepare for an exam? To pass an exam or to get good marks?Discuss your individual and common goals, as well as your expectations of the study group, then agree on a shared goal and write it down.
Set yourselves smaller goals that contribute to achieving the main objective, and agree on a timescale for completing them. Also, set dates for your future meetings and prepare for those meetings. Plan enough time for each meeting so that you can cover the topics in detail. As a rule, it takes longer to work on a topic in a study group than alone, so make sure to take that into account.
Another important aspect to decide on is the location for your meetings. It is best to choose a neutral place where you will not be disturbed. For example, many libraries have study rooms that are intended for group studying.
3. Define everyone's roles
Once the goals and deadlines have been set, the group structure and roles still need to be defined. Start by dividing up the material you need to study and decide which topics need to be studied in each session. Some groups will select an 'expert' for each topic. This is someone that can take the lead and explain the content in their own words. Each group member is appointed to be the 'expert' on a different topic. This closes any gaps in knowledge for the whole group.4. Stay motivated and focused together
To stay focused, you need to avoid distractions. If you find yourself wandering off topic or starting to engage in private conversations instead of studying effectively, remember your goal and actively refocus the group. It can also be helpful to identify a sign or signal that reminds everyone to get back on track.Appreciation and respect for each other and the work you're doing can be a source of motivation. When each member sees that their work for the group is valued and recognised, it will increase their willingness and morale. Constructive feedback and praise can work wonders. Be aware that a group can only learn successfully and productively if everyone participates equally.
When is a study group useful?
Study groups are particularly useful for preparing for oral or practical exams since speaking and explaining are practised in a group setting like this. The group can replicate exam conditions to practise, with the aim of reducing anxiety about the exam. Study groups are also helpful because you can find out what you can already do and what you know, as well as what you need to look at again.Generally, a group can achieve more than an individual. If you are studying for an exam with a huge amount of content, it makes sense to divide the material within a study group and explain it to each other so that you are not alone with a mountain of tasks and drowning in a sea of material. On our blog you can read some other tips for exams to help you and your study group navigate exam time.
Now, nothing stands in the way of a productive and effective study group.