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Some students find that the
Study Group method helps to learn some kinds of material faster and
better. However, it must be used in a particular way, otherwise it is
frustrating and a waste of time.
The following guidelines will
help to plan and carry out the method in a way to ensure that it works for
you.
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The size of the group is
important. It can involve as few as two, but a more desirable number is
between three and six. Then if one member cannot make the meeting, the
group can still carry on. Members should be taking the same course, and
be able to get together on a regular basis.
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One person should act as
Chair, to see that the method is carried out correctly, without too much
idle talk or one person getting excess "air time."
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An agenda should be prepared
for each meeting, with each member responsible to report on or explain a
section of the reading or to give the answers to selected questions.
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All members must do their
homework of preparing for the meeting, each preparing hls/her assigned
parts, and all making themselves familiar with all the material.
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The group meeting should be
conducted to cover all the reports within the planned time – from one to
two hours depending on the agenda. Each person should make his/her
presentation so good that it "teaches" the material to the others. Then
the presentation should be questioned and discussed freely and
thoroughly, with everyone participating. Finally, each should make brief
notes on the important ideas that were brought out.
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The next step is to take
about five minutes to talk about the value of the session, and in
particular to discuss ways in which each member could make it better
next time.
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The final step is to plan the
agenda for the next meeting, after which members may reward themselves
with socializing.
It may take two or three
sessions to get the method working, but if you stick to it and follow the
procedure, it will usually increase learning and make it more interesting.
If the method suits your learning style and the course material, form a
Study Group and give it a fair trial. If, by chance, it does not work,
adapt it. And if that fails, drop it. Always and only go with what works.
Resource:
http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/program/hndouts/studygr.html
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