1. Putting Your Heads Together
How To Form and Effectively Run a Study Group

2. What is a study group? Reinforce knowledge
A study group is a group of three to five students who work together to share information and help each other achieve greater academic success.
It is an arena for learning where you can :
Ask questions you might not wish to ask in class.
Gain understanding of material you find confusing.
Master information you will need to know.
Reinforce knowledge

3. Advantages of a study group
A study group gives emotional as well as intellectual support.
It helps each member to become more motivated and more organized.
From each group member you may learn alternative study techniques or important tips on how to achieve success.

4. How to form a study group
Select people who seem to share your academic goals
Look for people who stay alert in class, who ask questions
Limit group size to 3-5 people
“Test the Waters” meeting

5. How to form a study group, continued
These people need not necessarily be your friends, but they should be people with whom you feel comfortable.
A study group must meet on a regular basis to be effective. We suggest at least once a week. Sessions should last one to three hours. When preparing for exams you may wish to meet more frequently.

6. How to arrange meetings
Exchange information on each participant:
Name, phone,
Schedule of classes
Preferences for meeting times
Choose someone who will be responsible for finding a meeting place and contacting the others.

7. At your first meeting
Determine the rules you will follow so that each person will share in making the group strong.
Include specifics such as coming to the meetings on time, being prepared, and socializing.
Discuss the leadership of your group:
Will one person assume the leadership?
Will your group alternate leaders?

8. Session Structure Decide how long sessions will be.
First ½ hr: Review previous week concepts, allow members to voice issues of confusion or concern, problems with material.
Rest of time work on problems, take turns presenting problems
Work on practice questions
Last 10 minutes” quick summary/review
Identify “assignments” for next session

9. Important points to remember
The study group must find a common place to meet and meet on a regular basis.
The group must work as a team, and all members of the team must participate equally.
For a study group to be most effective it must work together. Each group member must do his or her share
Students who habitually come to the group unprepared or under-prepared should be dropped from the group.

10. Characteristics of a Successful Study Group
Each member contributes to session
Group members “actively listen” without interrupting.
Group members are prompt and come prepared
Group stays focused and on task
Group members show respect for each other.
Group members feel free to ask questions
Provides emotional support

11. Characteristics Of A Successful Study Group
Question each other on the material
Take turns “teaching” each other the material
Try and predict test questions
Compare notes
Focus on everyone learning as much as he/she can
Stay positive: WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER

13. Pitfalls of a Study Group
Group can get distracted from agenda
Socializing when you should be working
Members come unprepared
Becomes a forum for negativity, complaints about instructor, course, program
One or two members dominate the group

14. Use a study group wisely and enjoy your success!