LibGuides: URSULINE CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING: STUDY GROUPS

As an active learning strategy, studying in a group means meeting regularly with others from the class to help each other learn the concepts, to ask each other challenging questions, and to predict or debrief exam questions. Effective study groups can help students learn course material in a deeper, more concrete way. Groups that are effective generate positive energy, encourage active participation, and require commitments from each other.

Why form a study group at Brescia University?

To gain better understanding of the content which will increase your grade point,
To learn how to work in a team-oriented environment,
To combat procrastination and keep yourself organized,
To sharpen problem-solving skills while working with others,
To support and motivate one another and develop long-lasting friendships, and
To maintain accountability.

Get New Perspectives

If you study by yourself, you will always see your material from the same perspective—yours. While this may not be a problem, getting fresh perspectives on a topic can help you learn it more thoroughly. As you listen and ask questions, you will soon start noticing a variety of different viewpoints on the same idea. This will force you to think more about your position and will, therefore, develop your critical thinking skills while helping you study.

(SPEEDYPREP, 2020)

Here are four steps to begin your study group:

Form your group: Invite 3-5 students from your class to join you in a study group. Don't wait for the week of the exam. Begin right away to establish your goals.
Pick a time: For the meet session, just set a time. When you first come together, establish a time that works for everyone. Aim for a manageable amount of time. Typically, one-two hour/s should suffice.
Choose the location: The Father Leonard Alvey Library has several study rooms that can be reserved for your study group which would guarantee the space. There are also several places for group work in the Field Center on 2nd and 3rd floor.
Review the concepts: Set a goal for your study, encourage everyone to have their materials, and use the time to go over the concepts. Ask each other challenging questions.

Break the Monotony & Get a Boost

Studying by yourself, especially for long periods of time, can become a monotonous activity—especially if you find the subject matter tedious. By joining a study group, you can break this monotony and make learning more enjoyable. When you feel like there is just so much to learn and it all seems overwhelming, a study group session can be a real boost as members support each other. The auditory factor of group study, talking and listening, can help auditory learners and students who dislike the silence of studying alone.

(SPEEDYPREP, 2020)

TIPS TO MAKE IT WORK

Tips to make sure your study group is effective and successful.

Set up a weekly schedule. Be consistent when you meet. Try to meet at least once a week.
Invite your classmates. Talk to others in your class and encourage them to work together.
Be prepared. Bring your materials and be ready to participate and contribute to the group. Complete your assigned materials before the group comes together.

WHY STUDY GROUPS?

A study group can help solidify and clarify course materials, leading to more promising classroom experiences, and potentially a better GPA. By understanding the subject and feeling motivated, students may feel more willing to do better in class, on tests, and on assignments

REFERENCES

References

10 Reasons Why You Should Form a Study Group. (2019, August 22). Florida National University. https://www.fnu.edu/10-reasons-form-study-group/#:~:text=Effective%20study%20groups%20can%20help

Light, PhD, R. (2021). Encouraging Study Groups | CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING. Ctl.byu.edu. https://ctl.byu.edu/tip/encouraging-study-groups

Pintrich, P. R. (2003). A Motivational Science Perspective on the Role of Student Motivation in Learning and Teaching Contexts. Journal of Educational Psychology, 95(4).

Speedyprep. (2020, May 26). 7 Benefits of Study Groups | SpeedyPrep. SPEEDY PREP. https://speedyprep.com/7-benefits-of-study-groups/

Studying In Groups | Academic Gains through Improved Learning Effectiveness (AGILE) | University of Southern Maine. (n.d.). Usm.maine.edu. Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://usm.maine.edu/agile/studying-groups

Weimer, PhD, M. (2014, February 13). Peer Learning: An Update. Faculty Focus | Higher Ed Teaching & Learning. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/peer-learning-update/