Want better grades? Start a study group

Study groups can be an effective tool to improve scholastic performance. In combination with personal study time, a study group will reinforce newly acquired knowledge and concepts, expand upon new material, build confidence, and allow each member to see differing perspectives of other group members. There are a few guidelines to follow in order to ensure that your group is a successful one!

Studying alone is an important part of college life, but it does not have to be the only way to learn, understand, and remember new material. Forming a study group with like-minded and serious students may very well help to increase your grade point average! By listening and discussing information and concepts during the sessions, students will be adding an important auditory dimension to their learning experience. Comparing class notes, picking up new and valuable study habits, and providing encouragement are some of the more obvious benefits to group study. Explaining concepts to other group members allows you to reinforce your mastery of the subject material. There are times when concepts are unclear to some group members, but these can often be clarified and understood, when another member shares their perspective and understanding of new material. Should it turn out that no one understands a particular concept, the entire group may decide to approach the professor for further explanation. Studying can be boring, and an effective study group can counteract that boredom by making group members active participants in their learning process.

How to start a study group?
1. When selecting members for your study group, you need to determine if the classmate is motivated to do well, appears to understand the subject matter, demonstrates dependability, and appears tolerant of other people's ideas. You need to surround yourself with people that you will enjoy working with, in order to make the experience more productive and enjoyable.

2. The group should remain small (four-six people), which helps keep things focused, and works better than larger groups.

3. Decide how often and for how long your group will meet. Study sessions running from 60-90 minutes, a few times/week, should be adequate. For longer sessions, build in breaks.

4. Select a location that is available and free from distractions. Contact the Fanshawe Student Union and book one of their conference rooms, off the Alumni Lounge. Many students use them for group projects. The library also has some quiet areas.

5. Decide on the goals for your study group (comparing notes, discussing readings/assignments/preparing for exams).

6. Decide who will be the leader for the first study session. Then, it's up to the group members to decide how to go from there (rotating leadership, same person every time, etc)

7. Create a contact list of names, emails, and phone numbers.

Tips on Maintaining a Successful Study Group
1. Do set a firm start and stop time, and stick to it. Come promptly and prepared to work.

2. Have an agenda for each meeting, listing what is to be the focus of session. At the end of each session, set the agenda for the next meeting.

3. Respect all members.

4. Each member needs to contribute to the discussion.

5. One group member speaks at a time.

6. Members stay on track with respect to task list and/or agenda.

7. Keep criticism constructive.

8. Maintain momentum by staying positive, with a “we're in this together” attitude.

9. If all members are having similar difficulty understanding particular class material, make a group appointment with the appropriate professor.

Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Do not allow the study group to become a social group. You can set aside specific time for socializing, but keep the focus of the regular sessions on learning.

2. Members must be prepared for each session, and each does their own share.

3. Don't let the group stray from the agenda of tasks assigned.

4. Keep the sessions from becoming negative forums for complaining about courses, teachers and/or other classmates.

5. No one or two members should DOMINATE the group. All members need to have an equal opportunity to speak and/or participate.

To learn more on setting up your own study group, book a one hour appointment for your group with Candice Lawrence, in Counselling and Student Life.

Visit F2010 or phone 519-452-4282