Study Group Tips

Many students get more out of study time when they study with a group. Group study can improve your grades, because group work gives you more opportunity for comparing class notes and brainstorming potential test questions. If you are facing a big exam, you should try studying with a group. Use these tips to make the most of your time.

If you can't get together face-to-face, you can create an online study group, too.

Exchange contact information. Students should exchange email addresses, Facebook info, and phone numbers, so everyone can be contacted to help the others.

Find meeting times that work for everybody. The bigger the group, the more effective the study time will be. If necessary, you could assign two times a day, and those who show up each scheduled time can study together.

Everybody bring a question. Each member of the study group should write and bring a test question and quiz the other group members.

Hold a discussion about the quiz questions you bring. Discuss the questions and see if everyone agrees. Compare class notes and textbooks to find answers.

Create fill-in and essay questions for more impact. Divide a pack of blank note cards and have everyone write a fill-in or essay question. In your study session, swap cards several time so everyone can study each question. Discuss your results.

Make sure each member contributes. Nobody wants to deal with a slacker, so don't be one! You can avoid this by having a conversation and agreeing to commit on the first day. Communication is a wonderful thing!

Try communicating via Google Docs or Facebook. There are lots of ways you can study without actually gathering together, if necessary. It's possible to quiz one another online.