Sam Grabelle Writing Specialist Bryant University

What is a study group? Why study in a group? – The Basics – Learning Styles – Personal Benefits The Logistics The Meetings Do’s and Don’ts Characteristics of a Successful Study Group Using Technology What Can Go Wrong?

Good = studying alone

Better = studying with a partner

Awesome = studying in a group

A study group is a committed and cooperative group of students who share the same goal: to learn the material in the most effective and efficient way.

①Thinking out loud and sharing ideas allows you to learn from each other.

②Arguing (civilly) about concepts and figuring out why one person's answer differs from another's helps you learn more than you would by studying alone.

③ You can cover more ground with more people.

④ Fruitful discussion is often the difference between memorizing and truly understanding.

⑤ Studying with a diverse group means sharing talents and allowing each member’s strengths to compensate for other members’ weaknesses.

⑥Socializing is fun so studying becomes more fun.

AUDITORY LEARNER - Listen to others discuss information and concepts VISUAL LEARNER - Look at other members’ notes, study sheets or cards, and text annotations KINESTHETIC LEARNER - Write out ideas, type new notes, draw on the board, make models

BRAINSTORM: 10+ Ways Studying in a Group Can Benefit You

How many? 4 to 6 people Too large = people get left out Too small = not enough brain power and too easy to get off track Who? Shared motivation and commitment Stays alert in class, takes notes, asks and answers questions Classmates behind and ahead of your own learning Where? No distractions Room to spread out How long? No more than 2 to 3 hours at a time Having a time limit helps the group focus When? Regular day/time Schedule it in

Two Methods: (1)Prepare and Quiz (2)Divide and Teach

DO: Give your group a name. Decide on the goals of the study group. Goals can include comparing and updating notes, discussing readings, and preparing for exams. Encourage each member to talk about his/her strengths that will help the group (at the first meeting). Take turns acting as group moderator. Know and respect each other’s time commitments. Create a code word or prize for good ideas or extra effort. Create a code word or consequence for members who are slacking off. Allow a 10 or 15-minute period at the beginning of each study session to socialize and check in with each other. Have a snack break if it is a long session. Ask each other “why” questions. DON’T: Allow group members to attend unprepared. To stay in the group, members should be required to do their fair share. Have everyone contact the professor – designate one member to ask the professor any questions the group has. Rely on the group to help you cram for a test.

Each group member contributes to discussions. Group members actively listen to each other without interrupting. Only one group member speaks at a time. The other group members work collaboratively to resolve any concern raised by a group member. Group members are prompt and come prepared to work. The group stays on task with respect to its agenda. Group members show respect for each other. Group members feel free to criticize each other but keep their criticisms constructive. Group members feel comfortable revealing their weaknesses so that they can strengthen them. Group members feel free to ask questions of each other. At the end of each study session, an agenda including specific group member responsibilities is prepared for the next session. Above all, the positive attitude that "we can do this together" is maintained.

Google docs Facebook Blackboard Group Wiki Blog

Scheduling One person can derail the efforts of the entire group (rude, unfocused, unprepared) Everyone has to participate at the same level to get the full benefits (commitment) One or two people take over Socializing instead of studying Study sessions become b^%tch sessions

References school/50432.html school/50432.html tm tm htm htm