| It could not be argued that studying alone would | | | | your study group is composed of more than a dozen |
| work well in some areas, like in memorizing words for | | | | heads, you may find out that it is more chaotic than |
| a subject in aforeign language. However, to the | | | | educational. Come up with a group of 4 to 6. Also, if |
| typical college student, there would always be | | | | the group has few members, the group's objectives |
| instances where understanding complex ideas would | | | | could easily be sidetracked. |
| come in. Instead of mere memorization, the | | | | The members -- Without meaning to discriminate, |
| application of facts to problems is needed. Study | | | | you might want to avoid that classmate whom you |
| groups are beneficial in these cases for various acts | | | | know survives in tests by using crib notes or just |
| would come into action: explanation of concepts, | | | | copying from a seatmate. Consider people who are |
| arguments over issues, understanding why one's | | | | always alert in classes and who constantly participate |
| solution is different from yours. The fact is, other | | | | in discussions. |
| things could be discussed as well such as admission | | | | The venue -- It would be best to do your group |
| procedures to MBA or law schools. In a study group | | | | study sessions outside the school premises, like |
| composed of pre law students, for example, the | | | | somebody's house. The venue must be free from |
| members can offer insights on writing sample college | | | | distractions and has enough room for all the books |
| admission essays. | | | | that would be spread out. |
| Benefits of college study groups | | | | The length of time -- It would not be a good idea to |
| # You can share notes. This is important as you can | | | | have study sessions so long that it would last up to 3 |
| compare the notes you have taken down and build a | | | | am. A maximum of 3 hours is what experts |
| more reliable information database on the subject | | | | recommend. Setting a time limit would focus the |
| you're studying on. # You can contribute your talents | | | | efforts of the group members into doing something |
| and skills. Every person has strengths different from | | | | more productive. |
| the rest of the group, be it organizational skills, | | | | Schedules -- As much as possible, meet on the same |
| creative writing, etc. Sharing these skills leads to a | | | | time/day for every week. |
| more meaningful learning process. # More ground | | | | More tips |
| would be covered in study groups. Think of calculus, | | | | Preparation is important, even before the session. |
| that much-dreaded higher mathematics subject. If a | | | | Make sure that you have done all assigned readings. |
| problem could not be solved one individual, four or | | | | Check out the list of themes to be discussed for |
| five students would surely be able to accomplish it. # | | | | that particular session. Going unprepared would just |
| There's the socialization factor. Let's face it, you | | | | waste your and everybody's time. All of you should |
| would not join a college study group if half of the | | | | be able to contribute something to the group. If all of |
| members are people whose guts you hate. You | | | | your sessions are spent with just one member |
| would surely be joining friends, and that is where the | | | | teaching all the time, then you might just as well hire |
| fun is. During breaks in your study sessions, you could | | | | him to be a tutor. When you teach, you reinforce |
| chat, gossip, play (chess or whatever), etc. | | | | what you know and, of course, it helps the rest of |
| Things to consider in forming a study group | | | | the clique. |
| Number -- How many members is ideal in a group? If | | | | |