Getting work done in a study group
A STUDY group is a great way to revise but putting one together can be tricky. Here’s how to form one that will help you get the most out of learning in a group.
Think outside your comfort zone
Your friends will talk to you anyway; get together a group of people you don’t know so that you get new perspective.
Keep it small
Instead of “the more, the merrier” think “too many chefs spoil the broth”. Three is all right but a group of four is ideal as you can pair off. Six is about maximum; any more and you have too many opinions and not enough time for everyone to ask questions.
Outline an action plan
You’ve got a study guide, so plan your sessions accordingly. Decide how long each session will be, how much you’ll cover and who will be responsible for what. Tip: Pick a regular time and don’t make exceptions. It’s too difficult to accommodate the needs of half a dozen people.
Pick a good place
Pick somewhere quiet so that you’re not being blasted by music or interrupted by friends. An empty classroom or study room is ideal.
A cafeteria is okay as long as you don’t pick meal times when crowds will make it hard to concentrate.
Take turns to be a teacher
Explaining a topic to someone else is the best way to figure out what you know and what you don’t.
Take turns to present topics. When it’s your turn, share your notes.
Plan for exam revision
Once you’re used to each other, you’ll find it helpful to go over major revision for exams too. So plan one session to predict what will come up in the exams, and one or two more sessions to revise the trickiest concepts.