Page 272 - Keys to College Success

Introduces you to KEY 9.4 Studying in groups has many benefits.
Subjects you to questions Studying in groups . . . study skills different note-taking and that make you clarify and build on your thinking your notes Helps you f ll in gaps in solo studying Breaks the monotony of thinking in different ways of others and gets you Exposes you to the ideas Gets you to say what you memory anchors information in know out loud, which counting on you because others are Motivates you to study Increases the chance that covered

Studying in groups . . . Gets you to say what you
know out loud, which
anchors information in
memory
Introduces you to
different note-taking and Exposes you to the ideas
study skills of others and gets you
thinking in different ways

Helps you f ll in gaps in
your notes Increases the chance that
all of the important
information will be
covered

Breaks the monotony of
solo studying
Motivates you to study
because others are
Subjects you to questions counting on you
that make you clarify and
build on your thinking

Source: Petress, Kenneth C. “The Benefits of Group Study.” Education, 124. 2008; and Desmond, Nate. “6 Benefits of Study Groups.” Debt-Free Scholar, 2012. From
http://www.debtfreescholar.com/2010/02/6-benefits-of-study-groups

Study Groups

Study groups differ from project teams in that they don’t always have a specific goal.
Sometimes a study group will meet throughout the term, focused on a general goal of
enhancing understanding of the material. Other study groups may be more goal
oriented, such as a one that meets several times over a two-week period to prepare
for a midterm or final.
Working with a study group holds enormous benefits for all involved, and many
that go beyond the obvious benefit of greater communication and teamwork skills. See
Key 9.4 for many great reasons to get involved in a study group.
Instructors sometimes initiate student study groups, commonly for math or science
courses, known as peer-assisted study sessions or supplemental instruction. However,
don’t wait for your instructor—or for exam crunch time—to benefit from studying
with others. As you get to know students in your classes, start to exchange phone num-
bers and emails, form groups, and schedule meetings. Here are some strategies for
study group success: People, Resources, and Opportunities

■ Limit group size. Groups of five or less tend to experience the most success.
■ Set long-term and short-term goals. At your first meeting, determine what the
group wants to accomplish, and set mini-goals at the start of each meeeting.

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