Wednesday, April 18, 2012

How to set up a study group

Study groups are a good way for small numbers of students to work together. These groups can
range in size from two or three students to six or more, but they shouldn’t get much bigger. When a dozen students try to work together regularly, they’re likely to have scheduling problems and get distracted more easily.
Students in study groups meet regularly to discuss class work and help one another with assignments and
lessons. A good way for these groups to function is to choose one group member to set an agenda for each meeting, based on the class’s current lessons and assignments. It is up to the group to decide whether the same person should take on this responsibility regularly or rotate the job among all of the study group members.
Study groups have clear benefits. Members of small groups are apt to share the same attitude and motivation toward their studies so they are able to focus without being distracted by someone who may not be interested. Also, one group member may grasp certain class material more thoroughly than the others and so can help those who need assistance.
Those who need assistance in one area may, in turn, be more knowledgeable about other points and return the favor. When you set up a study group, you must arrange a few things at the beginning. Members of a new study group should get together after school to work out the details. They need to decide when and how often to meet. Meetings work best when they take place on the same days and times each week, though adjustments can be made. Next, the group should decide where to meet. Meetings can rotate among the homes of the members, but if one member has a perfect place to work and volunteers it, that can be even better. All group members should share the responsibility of providing snacks or refreshments, if there are going to be any, and the responsibility for cleaning up after sessions. At that first meeting, everyone should write down his or her address and phone number on a contact list. A group member with a computer can make copies of the list so that every member has the information.
If the group has trouble staying focused because a particular member or members cause distractions the group’s makeup may need to change. When they are properly organized, study groups can help the performance of all the students involved.

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