Study Groups

Forming study groups with fellow classmates can be both a fun and effective way to deepen your understanding of course topics and achieve academic goals.

What are study groups?

Study groups are task-oriented study systems that require students to use active learning skills in small group settings.

What are the benefits of study groups?

When all members are engaged and actively involved during sessions, study groups can:

Reinforce, clarify, and deepen your learning by providing the opportunity to learn in a group setting.
Provide feedback on how well you are learning the material.
Prepare you for the working work, with its emphasis on teamwork.
Provide a “positive support group.” All students feel discouraged at times, but a study group can motivate and make studying more fun and interesting.
Strengthen the motivation to study because the group is depending on each member’s preparation and participation. Research indicates that students can improve their grades by supplementing individual study with group study.

How do I find study partners?

We recommend using the following strategies to find suitable study group members:

Get to know your classmates before and after class and during breaks. Determine which students are serious about their studies and would be effective contributors in a group setting.
Invite students to meet with you to study.
Study in a location where you are likely to see students from your class then ask a classmate a question about the subject matter and begin discussion.
Make sure your goals match with the group. Pick people who pay attention, ask questions, take notes, and have knowledge to share.
For more information on how to form and retain study groups, email the Tutoring and Learning Center.

Study Group Tips

Give each person a specific task.

Assign specific course topics and materials to each member to maximize your sessions.

Don't allow members to attend unprepared.

If a group member is unable to complete their assigned study preparations for the week, encourage them to skip the meeting so that all members are active participants during each session.

Determine in advance the start and end time for each session.

To be respectful of every group member’s schedule, decided in advance the timing and duration of each meeting so that every member can attend the full session.

Identify a comfortable, but productive place for session meetings.

Most academic and residential buildings have specific study lounge areas. You can also reserve the Second Floor Study Group Rooms in Cook Library.

Click here for tips on how to have a successful online Study Group.