Studying as a group is far better than studying alone as long as you put your group together carefully. This isn't a time to socialize or get together and procrastinate, it's a time to divvy up the work load and fill in the blanks for one another when it comes to missed lectures, explained theories, or whatever it is that needs to be covered.
One of the most effective tools of getting together with others to study is paraphrasing. Think about it. The more you repeat an idea or concept, the more likely you are to commit it to memory. When you and others in your group continually start sentences with, "In other words..." you are breaking down a complicated idea into comprehendible material. Each member should read a page and break it down for the group in their own words. This type of group learning also helps give new perspective, develops work skills and goes a long way toward preparing for tests. Here are some things you need to know before you get started:
1. Who you include, as well as who you don't, matter. Bigger is not better when it comes to a study group. You want to keep it between 4 and 6 people so that each conversation is an effective one. A moderator should be chosen to keep everybody on track; someone who has the gift of organizational skills. If you make a mistake and include someone who has no desire to learn, it could bring down the effectiveness of the entire group.
2. What next? Assign one chapter or topic to each member every week. Everyone should arrive at the meeting with a good understanding of their material to share with the others. Key points should be identified and explained to all. Members should also be responsible for preparing quizzes from their assignment material.
The study group is a tried and true method of learning. Not only does it help everyone involved to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, it increases everyone's satisfaction with their overall learning environment.
So what have you got to lose? Chances are you already have made friends in your dorm or apartment building, why not branch out a little and meet some new people from your classes? In addition to getting a better understanding of the subject matter, you'll probably reduce the stress related to your work load in the process. As great as college can be, never forget the reason that you're there in the first place - to learn.
One of the most effective tools of getting together with others to study is paraphrasing. Think about it. The more you repeat an idea or concept, the more likely you are to commit it to memory. When you and others in your group continually start sentences with, "In other words..." you are breaking down a complicated idea into comprehendible material. Each member should read a page and break it down for the group in their own words. This type of group learning also helps give new perspective, develops work skills and goes a long way toward preparing for tests. Here are some things you need to know before you get started:
1. Who you include, as well as who you don't, matter. Bigger is not better when it comes to a study group. You want to keep it between 4 and 6 people so that each conversation is an effective one. A moderator should be chosen to keep everybody on track; someone who has the gift of organizational skills. If you make a mistake and include someone who has no desire to learn, it could bring down the effectiveness of the entire group.
2. What next? Assign one chapter or topic to each member every week. Everyone should arrive at the meeting with a good understanding of their material to share with the others. Key points should be identified and explained to all. Members should also be responsible for preparing quizzes from their assignment material.
The study group is a tried and true method of learning. Not only does it help everyone involved to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, it increases everyone's satisfaction with their overall learning environment.
So what have you got to lose? Chances are you already have made friends in your dorm or apartment building, why not branch out a little and meet some new people from your classes? In addition to getting a better understanding of the subject matter, you'll probably reduce the stress related to your work load in the process. As great as college can be, never forget the reason that you're there in the first place - to learn.
About the Author:
The author, Marshall Schumacher, has written nearly two hundred articles on online degree programs, the importance of college accreditation, online colleges and career preparation.
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