好色先生TV

好色先生TV
Student Academic Success Center  ›  Handouts & Other Resources  ›  I'm a CMU student and I need advice  ›  Identify a Problem  ›  I don’t know how to create and work with an effective study group.

I don’t know how to create and work with an effective study group.

Studying with peers is one of the most effective ways to learn and process course material and concepts. Collaborating with others is time tested; it’s neither a new nor modern educational strategy. Verbalizing what you think you know, heard in lecture, or read in a textbook can address an incomplete understanding or any misconceptions regarding the material. Finally, presenting your ideas to others leads to feedback that can sharpen, deepen, and broaden your learning.

STEP 2: SELECT THE REASON that best describes your situation, keeping in mind there may be multiple relevant reasons.

It can be difficult to find a focused, hard-working group of students to study with. Even if you have friends in your class, they may not necessarily be the best candidates for a study group. Below are some tips on how to find an efficient and productive group.

STEP 3: Explore potential STRATEGIES to address the problem.

If you can, keep study groups to six members or less, allowing for a manageable and strong collaborative atmosphere. Keep in mind that a group made up of your best friends may prove counterproductive, since you could become more easily distracted. Instead, try to invite interested students in your class who you think would be valuable contributors, even if you may not personally know them that well. Another option is to approach your professor and ask him or her to solicit members for your study group in lecture or through Blackboard. (Make sure to give your name and email as a point of contact for the group.)

For more tips on creating and managing a study group, view our "Fast Fact" on group studying [pdf] and the accompanying group contract [pdf]

Even if you succeed in putting together a strong study group, it can be hard to keep your group on track. Without defined goals and time management, your study group can quickly go from being an asset to an impediment. You may feel that your group strays off topic, wastes time arguing over one detail, or spends too much time dividing tasks rather than actually conquering them.

STEP 3: Explore potential STRATEGIES to address the problem.

Have a concrete set of goals and clear vision of what you want your group to accomplish. Make sure that each member of the group comes prepared to group meetings, so you can begin by reviewing rather than learning material for the first time. Feel comfortable both asking and answering questions; you can benefit by explaining concepts to others as well as having concepts explained to you. Clearly communicate with your group – emphasize that the purpose is for studying rather than socializing, and don’t hesitate to abort the group if necessary.

For more tips on creating and managing a study group, view our "Fast Fact" on group studying [pdf] and the accompanying group contract [pdf]