subject: The Benefits of Study Groups [print this page] The Benefits of Study Groups The Benefits of Study Groups
One of the most efficient way for developing a class discussions and exams is by utilizing a study group. Study groups supply a number of benefits to the learning process. For first timers, studying with others in a small group is helpful to everyone because you think out load, share ideas and learn from one another.
Benefits of a Study Group
Improve your notes
Study group members can help the individuals change their class notes but sharing notes.
Sharing talents
Everyone has dissimilar strengths and weakness. By going or joining in a study group you are able to gain from the talents of other group members.
Support system
Study groups can supply by emotional and physical support. If you're feeling down a study group member can help move or motivate you. If you're going to fail in attending class one day a study group member can take notes for you when you gone and fill you in on the details when you get back.
Cover more material
Study groups can help you cover or give more material. Having three people working on a very hard math problem is stronger than having just one person work on it. Also, when you have plenty of ground to cover you can make assignments and then report back to the group what you learned. Study groups can be very effective.
Its makes learning fun
Sitting in a library, studying the whole day can get very tiring and uninteresting. Working with a study group can make it fun. Therefore, you apt to spend more time learning and studying.
Putting Together an Effective Study Group
When setting an effective study group there are five questions you need to answer. How many? Who? Where? How long? and When?
How many
The best to have four to six people in a study group. In smaller groups it is simple to get off track and you don't have the man power to get things done. Bigger groups are harder to manage and you end up having individuals that get left out or a few free loppers.
Who
The best study groups are made up of individuals that share the same or one interest in doing well in class and on tests. You'll want to consider individuals who pay attention in class, take good notes, ask questions and broadly participate in class discussion.
Where
Study group sessions should be done in a location free from distractions and that has room to comfortably study and interact.
How long
Study group session should be maximum of two to three hours. If study sessions are longer, members tend to shift their interest and focus. Conversely, if you don't spend at least one hour in each study session you typically can cover all course material adequately and the study group becomes unproductive.
When
Planning a set of routine will help each member to create ahead and come prepare to each session.
Maximizing the value of each study group session
Create clear objectives and goals
Specify clear objectives and goals for each study session. This will guarantee that the study sessions stay focused and that time is well spent.
Be prepared
It is better to contribute to a study session if than coming unprepared. It also difficult to gain from other members if they come unready. Make sure that all group members always finish their assigned task that each of you must review your class notes, and list topics you want to go over in the next study session.
Ensure participation
Every member should take turns in sharing ideas in the group discussion. Teaching strengthens what you learn and also ensure your understanding of the subject matter is correct and comprehensive.
Stay focused
Study session should have a leader. The leader's responsibility to make sure that the group focuses on the correct topic(s). It's very effective to schedule breaks every half hour or so, so that team members don't get worn out.
