Forming a Study Group That Will Raise Your Grades

By Jim Sherman

A study group could be an important tool in your college education. By gaining different perspectives on a topic you may gain deeper understanding and comprehension. If you're in a doctorate program in which most study focuses on individual projects, you may not find a study group there but in college, the opportunity exists for the formation of a group.

To find (or form) a group, talk to classmates. Is there someone in your geography or math class with whom you think you might like to work and study with? Ask them. Make sure that when class is over, don't dash off to the next one, talk to your classmates and see if they're looking for study group members. If you don't make contact with peers, you won't be invited to a group.

1. Look for study groups that already exist and see if you can get an invitation to join them. Do you have any special skills or talents you could bring to the group? Are your writing skills above par? Do you know how to write a killer resume? These are traits that could help you gain entry. Also when you're looking to join a group, see what talents the other individuals bring to it.

2. Select a space and set specific times for your study group. Try to select a neutral location - a coffee shop, quiet corner of a restaurant, etc. It's best if you don't have to meet in a dorm room or in a classmate's home as it puts a lot of pressure on the individual who is hosting.

3. Keep the study group small - six is an ideal number. Any less and there may not be a good idea sharing dynamic; any larger and opinions will get lost in the mix and you may not reap the full benefit of the group.

4. Make a plan for your study group. Will you be a discussion-only group? Will you go over the days' assignments and work on completing them. Will there be an opportunity to brainstorm an individuals' project whether you are in that class or not?

5. Rotate the "leadership" of the meetings so each person gets an opportunity to set the agenda and it relieves the burden of having one individual be responsible for the meetings.

Being part of a study group helps lighten the load of college studies. Sharing question and answer sessions with study group members can also help you gain a deeper understanding of your classroom lessons. Now is the time to reap the benefits of membership in a study group.

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