| First of all let's take a look at what a study group | | | | posed by other members of the group on areas |
| is. It's where you meet on a regular basis with | | | | of the subject they don't understand. |
| other students who are studying the same | | | | If you missed a class you'll be able to catch up |
| subject as you are. Within the study group you | | | | using both the notes of the other students in |
| can discuss what you understand of the subject, | | | | your study group, plus the verbal input from the |
| what you don't understand with the hope that | | | | class that they can give you. |
| someone else there can explain it to you in a way | | | | When you are involved in group work you won't |
| that you do understand, and also to talk about | | | | feel that you are alone and looking for a group -- |
| any class assignments or presentations that may | | | | your study group is a ready made unit that |
| be required as part of the subject. | | | | already knows how to work together and |
| Study groups meet at a number of different | | | | recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of each |
| places, and have a varied approach to the format | | | | member. |
| of the group. Some study groups are very | | | | Revision time can become more focused with |
| informal, perhaps meeting in one of the member's | | | | each member of the group being responsible for |
| homes where a supply of snacks and drinks are | | | | a particular area. It can also be less stressful as |
| provided by the student's parents. | | | | there won't be such a feeling of isolation as the |
| Other groups are more formal and meet in more | | | | group will meet to discuss their revision and to |
| traditional places such as an empty classroom or | | | | have group discussion on the possible kind of |
| school library space that's designated for group | | | | questions to appear on any test along with the |
| work. The formal study groups are usually run to | | | | possible answers. |
| some kind of agreed schedule with a list -- either | | | | A study group needs to be formed with certain |
| written or voiced -- of items to be covered at | | | | agreements in place. These should be discussed |
| each session, whereas informal groups tend to | | | | and agreed at the first meeting. You should have |
| approach their meetings with a more flexible | | | | a schedule of meetings, a place to meeting and |
| attitude of just chatting about whatever seems | | | | what kind of group (formal or informal) you want |
| relevant at that time in what they're learning. | | | | to be. If all members of the group accept the |
| There are many advantages to being part of a | | | | terms of belonging to the group, you're all set to |
| study group. These include: Increasing your | | | | go. If there's some discord then you need to |
| motivation to study as it's more fun within a | | | | either negotiate on some points, or have 2 study |
| group environment where there is no expectation | | | | groups form on different formats so that each |
| to "perform". | | | | student is comfortable with the group they belong |
| There's a supportive environment that provides a | | | | to. |
| place to admit that you don't understand | | | | If there isn't a study group for a subject that you |
| something without feeling ashamed. You can ask | | | | believe would benefit from one (or more |
| questions of your study group members that you | | | | specifically, you would benefit from) investigate |
| wouldn't be comfortable enough to ask in front of | | | | the possibility of setting one up and find out what |
| an entire class. | | | | level of interest there would be from the rest of |
| You get the win-win situation where not only do | | | | the class. You aren't looking for a mass sign-up; |
| you get help, but you gain confidence in the | | | | even 4-6 active members make it a viable group |
| subject by being able to answer the questions | | | | that all should benefit all. |