How To Study In Groups And Actually Get Things Done

Have you struggled with motivation to study alone, but study groups end up being unproductive? While many students have poor study group experiences (Weimer, 2019), study groups have the potential to make us feel more motivated and increase our sense of belonging (Zhou et al, 2023). Here are some tips for you to succeed in study groups!

Setting goals

Before the study group starts, set clear goals. Goals provide a clear path and direction for you to follow, making your study session more productive (Herdener, 2011). You can try using the WOOP method (Saddawi-Konefka, 2017):

Wish - What you want to achieve
Outcome - What happens when you achieve your wish
Obstacle - Foreseeable problems when trying to achieve your wish
Plan - Action to take when you face obstacles

Choosing people

Not everyone may be suitable to work together. You can note each person’s strengths and see if they complement one another before deciding on groupings. Additionally, stick to small groups of around 5 people so all members are able to participate actively (Loveless, 2024).

Effective study strategies

Consider having an effective study strategy in place when studying shared topics. You may want to try using the Feynman technique (University of Colorado Boulder; 2023):

Self-study the topic.
Take turns to explain the topic to the other members.
The other members can give feedback to the teaching member.
Members can review their mistakes or areas of weakness.

This method allows people to retain the information effectively (The University of British Columbia, 2024). It can also serve to simplify complex concepts and highlight areas that should be noted (Ambion et al, 2020; Reyes et al, 2021).

Keeping a positive mindset

Lastly, make sure to stay positive! Positive attitudes allow people to retain information better and reduce anxiety (Stillman, 2018).

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list. Use what is right for your friends and you, and remember to find something that everyone is comfortable with! Happy studying!

Written by: Grace

02/2024

References

Ambion, R. I., De Leon, R. S., Mendoza, A. P., & Navarro, R. M. (2020). The utilization of the Feynman technique in paired team teaching towards enhancing grade 10 ANHS students’ academic achievement in science. 2020 IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC). https://doi.org/10.1109/isec49744.2020.9397848

Herdener, N. (2011). How to conduct a successful study group - Academic Success Center. https://success.oregonstate.edu/sites/success.oregonstate.edu/files/LearningCorner/Tools/successful_study_groups.pdf

Loveless, B. (2024, January 19). Study skills: Using study groups effectively. Education Corner. https://www.educationcorner.com/study-groups/

Reyes, E., Blanco, R. M., Doroon, D. R., Limana, J. L., & Torcende, A. M. (2021). Feynman technique as a heutagogical learning strategy for independent and remote learning. Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 9(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.32871/rmrj2109.02.06

Saddawi-Konefka, D., Baker, K., Guarino, A., Burns, S. M., Oettingen, G., Gollwitzer, P. M., & Charnin, J. E. (2017). Changing resident physician studying behaviors: A randomized, comparative effectiveness trial of goal setting versus use of WOOP. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 9(4), 451–457. https://doi.org/10.4300/jgme-d-16-00703.1

Stillman, J. (2018, February 15). New Stanford study: A positive attitude literally makes your brain work better https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/stanford-research-attitude-matters-as-much-as-iq-in-kids-success.html

The University of British Columbia. (2024, January 15). Tips for starting a successful Study Group. UBC Science - Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. https://science.ubc.ca/students/blog/study-groups

University of Colorado Boulder. (2023, April 3). The Feynman technique. A&S Academic Advising and Coaching. https://www.colorado.edu/artssciences-advising/resource-library/life-skills/the-feynman-technique-in-academic-coaching

Weimer, M. (2019, November 25). The benefits of study groups. Faculty Focus | Higher Ed Teaching & Learning. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/course-design-ideas/what-students-can-learn-from-studying-together/

Zhou, X., Li, Q., Xu, D., Holton, A., & Sato, B. K. (2023). The promise of using study-together groups to promote engagement and performance in online courses: Experimental evidence on academic and non-cognitive outcomes. The Internet and Higher Education, 59, 100922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2023.100922