A study group, when correctly organised, may increase your learning and provide you with a more comprehensive view of your lectures. If you take the time to review the material with your study group casually, you'll notice that it all makes more sense. Talking about your thoughts will help improve your presenting abilities.
Follow these 5 Tips to Help You Make the Best of your Study Group:
Don’t make the group too big
When creating a study group, it's crucial to remember that the main goal is to improve academic performance and increase knowledge of the chosen subjects. Large groups can be difficult to manage, leading to distractions and a lack of focus.
For this reason, keeping the group small, with at most six members, is recommended. Additionally, it's important to be mindful of the group dynamic and avoid forming a study group with friends as it could cause more socialisation than studying.
It's crucial to set clear goals and expectations for the group and ensure everyone is dedicated to achieving them. This will help keep the group on track and focused on the task.
Pick a venue where you won’t get distracted.
When choosing a location for your study group, it's important to consider a space that will allow for open discussion and notes review. Libraries may not be the ideal choice as they require silence. Choose a comfortable and relaxed location where you can focus without getting distracted by external factors.
Avoid places with loud music or large crowds; instead, opt for cafes that promote a studying atmosphere. Look for places with soothing background music and good coffee; if you see other customers working on laptops, it's a good indication that it's a suitable spot. more
When selecting a location for your study group, consider a place with ample seating and table space for everyone to spread out and work. A location with reliable Wi-Fi and access to power outlets is also a plus.
Furthermore, consider the convenience and accessibility of the location for all group members, as it's essential that everyone can easily get to and from the study sessions.
A location close to public transportation or that offers ample parking options is ideal. Consider the hours of operation and availability of the location to ensure that it's accessible during the times the group plans to meet.
Decide the topics you are going to discuss before the meeting.
Ensure that all group members are aware of the specific topic or subject that will be discussed in the upcoming meeting in advance. This will minimise unnecessary small talk and allow the group to move quickly to the main focus of the meeting.
A structured approach, like going around the group in a circle and asking each member to share their questions or thoughts on the topic, can help organise the discussion.
Additionally, it's important to establish a clear agenda or plan for the meeting so everyone knows what to expect and can come prepared. This could include specific sections of the material to be covered, activities or exercises that will be done, and any assignments or tasks to be completed by the next meeting. Having a clear plan allows the group to stay on track and make the most of the time together.
Additionally, actively encouraging participation and creating an open and inclusive atmosphere will help all members to engage in the discussion, ask questions and express their thoughts, which will lead to a more productive and effective study session.
Help each other
Take advantage of each other's strengths during the study group sessions. Remember that the group's purpose is to support and learn from each other, not compete. Each member will have different areas of expertise and understanding of the material, and it's important to recognise and utilise these strengths during the study sessions.
One week a member may be a teacher, and the next week, they may be the one seeking guidance. Recognising and utilising each other's strengths, the group can work together more efficiently and effectively.
Exchange contact details
It is essential that everyone in the study group is fully committed and actively participates in the sessions. This means completing all necessary preparation, arriving on time without fail, and contributing significantly to the discussions.
If, for any reason, a member is unable to attend a session, they must inform the rest of the group in advance. Having a group chat or communication platform like WhatsApp can make it easy for members to stay in touch and coordinate.
Participation in a study group can tremendously impact your academic progress. The more you involve yourself in the group and take advantage of each member's specific knowledge and skills, the faster you will advance academically.
Remember, sharing your workload and knowledge with others can help to alleviate stress and accelerate learning. It's important to remember that the success of the study group relies on active participation from all members. With it, the group will be able to achieve its goals.
