Author: Sofarelli, Rebecca

Example Agenda

2-hours each Thursday night:
First half hour is spent reviewing the preceding week’s concepts.
Next hour or so is spent going over homework problems and/or members presenting the concepts they were assigned. If there are no homework problems, use the questions in the back of the book or ask the instructor for old test to use as a guide. You can also use study guides and/or PowerPoint presentations for information for discussion.
Last 10 minutes should be used for a review of what was discussed and to set the agenda and an assignment for the next meeting.

For more information contact:

Leigh Bailey, Counselor 769-1551 x4861 lbailey@gulfcoast.edu
Becca Sofarelli, Academic Coach 769-1551 x2829 rsofarell@gulfcoast.edu

Academic Resource Center. (n.d.). How to Form a Successful Study Group: Tips and Strategies. Retrieved September 16, 2013. http://duke.edu/arc/documents/how%20to%20form%20a%20Successful%20Study%20Group.pdf
Mangrum-Strichart Learning Resources. (n.d.). Study Groups. Retrieved September 16, 2013. http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/study-groups.asp
Muchnick MA, Cynthia Clumeck. (n.d.). Working with Study Partners or Study Groups. Netplaces.com. http://www.netplaces.com/study-skills-tests-and-exam-preparation-tips/working-with-study-groups/
Study group. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved September 23, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/study group
6 Benefits of Study Groups. (n.d.) Debt-free Scholar—Helping college students save money, one post at a time. Retrieved September 16, 2013. http://www.debtfreescholar.com/2010/02/6-benefits-of-study-groups/

References

Compiled by
The Counseling Center
Of
Gulf Coast State College
September 2013
Updated: April 2015, June 2018, August 2020

Pathways to College Success

Guidelines for Study Groups

Study Groups- “an informal gathering of people who convene regularly to exchange ideas and information on a specific subject.” (Dictionary.com 2013)

Benefits of a Study Group

Decreases urge to procrastinate.
Presents information in a new perspective.
Fosters new study skills.
Breaks the monotony of studying alone.
Gives opportunity to compare notes.
Provides emotional support.
Increases commitment to studies.
Provides auditory learning through group discussions.
Keeps students on schedule.
Assist when information is difficult.

Possible Pitfalls of a Study Group

Group becomes too much of a social group and strays away from the purpose.
Group becomes a “sounding board” for student’s problems.
Domination of group by one or two members.
Too many students in group that do not contribute to the group.

Panicky students that bring too much negativity to the group.

Getting Started

Groups should have 2-6 members. More than 6 need to spilt up into two groups.
Establish meeting dates, times, length and place. Should be at least once a week for at least one hour. May increase before a test or finals.
Members must have a serious commitment to participate in assignments.
Choose a leader or a facilitator of the group to keep the group on track.

How to Have a Successful Group

Group members:
Contribute to discussions.
Actively listen to each other.
Work together to resolve concerns for each other.
Stay on task.
Show respect for each other.
Ask questions and use only constructive criticisms to assist each other.
Distribute individual assignments and outline of discussion the next group session.
Must maintain a positive, teamwork attitude
Limit lengthy complaints about professors or courses during group.

Group Strategies

Begin group by comparing notes of the previous class meeting or meetings.
Go over homework assignments if applicable.
Have an outline to guide the order of topics to discuss.
Possibly assign a topic to each member to talk about or “teach” at the next group session. Members should choose a topic they are least familiar with in order to learn more about the topic.
Create summary sheets, flash cards or charts and share with the group.
Members can prepare a practice test to give to each member of the group.
Use a white-board to assist in discussion of concepts, ideas and homework assignments.