College Study Groups: The Key to High Grades

Everyone has heard of all-nighters during finals week, but have you ever considered a more practical method of learning your study material? The study group is a tried and true method of covering everything your professor is asking of you. What’s more, with a group to support your learning, you’ll more than cover it, you’ll ace it! The group will help fill in the blanks for one another and share each respective viewpoint. You have to be careful though, not to use the tie together as a social hour or method of procrastination. Every minute counts if you want to maximize your efforts.

One of the most effective tools of getting together with others to study is paraphrasing. Think about it. The more you repeat an idea or concept, the more likely you are to commit it to memory. When you and others in your group continually start sentences with, “In other words…” you are breaking down a complicated idea into comprehendible material. Each member should read a page and break it down for the group in their own words. This type of group learning also helps give new perspective, develops work skills and goes a long way toward preparing for tests. Here are some things you need to know before you get started:

1. Choosing your group. If a study group is too big it’s not nearly as effective as it could be, so keep it down to between 4 and 6 members. Choose a moderator to keep things moving and assign tasks. Keep in mind that the smarter the members, the more stimulating the conversations will be. If you end up with a member who isn’t interested in learning, the whole group could suffer.

2. Every week should move you through the course work. Each member should be prepared for each meeting, with his or her material studied and ready to break down for the rest of you. There should also be periodical quizzes as well.

The study group is a tried and true method of learning. Not only does it help everyone involved to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, it increases everyone’s satisfaction with their overall learning environment.

So what have you got to lose? Chances are you already have made friends in your dorm or apartment building, why not branch out a little and meet some new people from your classes? In addition to getting a better understanding of the subject matter, you’ll probably reduce the stress related to your work load in the process. As great as college can be, never forget the reason that you’re there in the first place – to learn.

The author, Marshall Schumacher, has written nearly two hundred articles on online degree programs, the importance of college accreditation, online colleges and career preparation.