Optimise study group sessions
A STUDY group is a great way to revise, but organising one can be tricky. Here are some tips on how to form one that will help you get the most out of communal learning.
Think outside your comfort zone
Try to think beyond your usual group of friends. Get together a group of people you do not know so that you can get new angles of 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 the maximum; any more than that and you will have too many opinions and not enough time for everyone to have meaningful question time.
Outline a plan of action
You have a study guide, so plan your meetings accordingly. Decide how long each meeting will be, how much you will cover and who will be responsible for what.
Pick a regular time and do not make exceptions. It is too difficult to accommodate the needs of half a dozen people.
Choose a good place
Pick somewhere quiet so that you are not being blasted by music or interrupted by friends. An empty classroom or study room is ideal. A cafeteria is also okay as long as you do not pick meal times because crowds will make it hard to concentrate.
Take turns to be a teacher
Explaining a topic to someone else is the best way to find out what you know and do not know. Take turns to present topics and share notes.
Plan for exam revision
Once you are used to each other, you will find it helpful to revise for exams too. Plan sessions to revise the trickiest concepts.