Let’s face it, being a student is hard, and it’s much harder when you feel like you’re going through it alone.
How can study groups help you?
While it’s not always possible to study in groups, such as conflicting schedules, here’s what you need to know about how group study sessions can support your academic success.
#1 - Accountability
When you commit to study sessions with even as little as one other person, you are more likely to remain accountable and follow through with your study goals.
Knowing that another person is relying on you can help you stay engaged and motivated to remain on track.
#2 - Gives you areas to focus on
Participating in study groups can help you identify gaps in your knowledge or understanding.
Hint: if your peers are discussing concepts from course content and you find yourself unable to contribute in a meaningful way, this likely indicates that this is an area that you need to focus on.
#3 - Practice “teaching” others
Group study sessions are opportunities for you to articulate your understanding of concepts by teaching them to others.
Research shows that teaching others results in a deeper understanding of the material and a stronger ability to retain the information.
In short, teaching others helps you learn better!
#4 - Get caught up
Life happens, and sometimes we miss a class or lecture.
Even in cases where you attend class, you might have missed important details.
A study group can mitigate any gaps in your learning and notes by helping you get caught up on material you missed or overlooked.
#5 - Connect and meet new people
Some of us have a habit of isolating ourselves, especially when we’re preparing for assessments like a test or exam. Group study can offer opportunities for social interaction.
Group study can provide a space to share and possibly alleviate stress, fears, and feelings of overwhelm. Being in a community with your peers can be validating and can also help you feel better prepared.