Reasons for Forming Study Groups

1. Active Learning
   You are processing information with others, focusing on the task at hand and you have more opportunities to use more senses.  The process of asking the "What if…?", "Why…?" and "How…?" questions and seeking to answer these together challenges you to study at higher levels.
2. Commitment
   Having a regular meeting time at a regular location with people who are expecting you provides you incentive to stay on top of the material.
3. Increased pathways to learning
   Studying in groups offers more opportunities for new insights and conclusions about the subject area. You benefit from the ideas and questions of others to add to you own.
4. Psychological support
   The group process allows you to see that you are not alone in a difficult area of study. It is affirming when you can share something that you know with someone else.
5. Monitoring
   The views of others will present different ways of processing material and predicting the examination questions.  When you have only your own views you might miss studying a view that is perceived by another.

How do I form a study group?

1. Get three to five members that are in the same class. Your friends do not always make the best members due to the temptation to socialize when you should be studying.
2. If possible, try to find members with similar academic abilities. If you have a "B", form a group of members with about the same grade (C+ to A-). Groups work best when each member contributes equally to the overall activities of the group. No one should be allowed to "use" the group without contributing.
3. We don't recommend groups with more than five or six people. It is almost impossible for larger groups to arrange schedules and set goals, and it does not allow time for each member to ACTIVELY participate. Even a group of TWO people is better than just one.
4. Have a purpose and an end-date for the group. Is the group forming to study for an upcoming exam or the remainder of the semester?
5. Provide structure and communicate expectations.
   Ideas to consider
   • All members read the assigned class material then individuals each take one topic or section for more in-depth research.  Each person would bring copies of their research for others in the group.
   • Each member could be assigned to bring 3 possible test questions and the answers.
   • All members could bring the areas they are challenged by.
   • Meetings could center on going over old quizzes and tests.
6. Meet at a regularly scheduled time at the same place on at least a weekly basis for the lifetime of the group. This allows members to get into a routine of dedicating this time for intensive study.
7. Get to know your fellow members. Know each member's major, the courses that they have had. Exchange email addresses, names and phone numbers.