• Your strengths and weaknesses
• Strengths of group members
• Group dynamics
• Goal of the study group
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• Preparing for a test, midterm, or assignment
• Explaining the material and having the material explained
• Sharing ideas and study tips
• Getting a good mark
• Cutting down on study time
• Being social and having a good time
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• Logistics Coordinator
  • Determine best date for study session date and time.
  • Identify a location for the group to meet which fits both schedules and group needs.
  • Reserve study space (if necessary).
  • Establish next study session date and time (if necessary).
• Agenda-Setter
  • Identify the purpose of the study group session through feedback with other group members (test/assignment specific, general review, social connection).
  • Distribute the agenda prior to the study group session.
  • A good agenda includes date & time, location, and purpose.
• Timekeeper
  • Officially start and stop the study group session on time.
  • Determine a specific time for breaks.
  • A guideline for breaks by session length:
    • 1 hour or less session - no break
    • 2 hour session - one 15-minute break
    • 3 hour session - 2 fifteen-minute breaks
• Questioner
  • Pose open-ended questions to spur discussion and challenge knowledge and understanding of the content.
  • Open-ended questions cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, for example:
    • Explain why...?
    • Explain how...?
    • What conclusion can be drawn from...?
    • What are the implications of...?
    • How are... and... similar or different?
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Informal Study Groups

Easy! Get together with your notes

• Students get together and either go through class material or review questions
• Advantages: No real prep required; students can share ideas and knowledge
• Disadvantages: May not be as productive; students may not be prepared to help one another or may give incorrect information
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Structured Study Groups

Trickier! Let's talk more about how to do this.

• Students decide what they would like to go over in advance so that they can prepare
• The group may even assign tasks or parts of the material to each person to be the expert
• Advantages: More productive; everyone is prepared and makes a contribution
• Disadvantages: More effort required
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• Study Strategy #1 - Predicting Test/Exam Questions

  
  Have each person come up with study questions from class. You can also use a test or reviews questions in a textbook.

• Study Strategy #2 - Summarizing

  
  Come up with a list of terms and concepts. Take turns having people summarize this in their own words. Have each person write down their definition, then read the actual definition.

• Study Strategy #3 - Keeping it Fun

  
  Some ideas for games can include: matching terms and definitions, speed labelling, quizzing (or jeopardy), and finding interactive games online.

• Study Strategy #4 - Using White-boards, Projectors, and Study Spaces

  
  You can use spaces and equipment on campus. Check out the Algonquin College blog to find study spaces on campus.

• Study Strategy #5 - Coming up with Memory Tools to Share

  
  Figure out what group members are having trouble with remembering. Divide these concepts up and have each person come up with a memory tool, a song, a rhyme, to remember that idea. Share!

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• Establish goals- what do people want to get out of the sessions? Who should be involved?
• Determine how you would like to approach the material: teach or review the material or come up with study questions.
• It can help to either assign someone the task of coordinating or get together to divide up the work
• Ensure that everyone has something to do
• Decide on a meeting time and place: think about where you will work best (avoid noise and distractions) and bring appropriate materials
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• What needs to be accomplished
• Think about assigning someone the role of gate-keeper – this person’s job is to make sure the group is on task and to point out when you get off topic
• How long sessions will be
• When to have breaks
• Scheduling something social after studying
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