Tips for Running an Effective Study Group
Study groups can be a great way to review course materials, brainstorm with your classmates, and gain insight into your understanding of the course materials. In addition, because so much of the practice of law involves working with colleagues, participation in study groups can prepare you for future professional interactions. While study groups can be useful, they can also be a frustrating waste of time and energy if not organized and run correctly. It is important that you structure and run your study groups to maximize the benefits to all the participants. The following are some suggestions for running an effective study group.
- Before you join or form a study group, consider what you hope to get from the experience. People join study groups for different reasons (for example, to share the work of creating a course outline or test their knowledge and comprehension of course materials). Your reason for joining a study group should guide decisions as to the composition and goals of the group.
- Think about your most effective study style before you join a study group because study groups are not for everyone. Consider whether you have had positive study group experiences or have participated in successful group projects in the past. If you have not had productive study group experiences, think about whether you can alter your approach before you decide that study groups are not for you.
- Form a study group with people who have similar goals. If you join a study group primarily as a social outlet and someone else is there to prepare for exams, your approach to the work is will be different, which can lead to tension.
- Keep your study group small (three or four members). Large study groups run the risk of becoming social groups rather than working groups. In addition, participants in large groups might think that they can do less work because someone else will pick up the slack.
- Establish a schedule of meetings and assignments. Also, agree on guidelines for the group's meetings (such as rules on punctuality, duration of meetings, and who will facilitate each meeting).
- Establish an agenda for each meeting or you will find yourself wasting valuable time during the meeting as you try to figure out what you should be doing.
- Set aside a period during each study group meeting to discuss things you do not understand. If someone else understands, you get a quick tutorial. If others are unclear, you should take advantage of your professor's office hours.
- Select a formal location for you meetings. Avoid meeting in places that are too comfortable or full of distractions, such as a student lounge or someone's home.
- Remember that the study group is not a substitute for doing your own work. You should use study group meetings to discuss material you have already reviewed and to test your understanding of that material. In addition, do not rely on others in your study group to create an outline for you: use the study group to improve an outline that you create yourself.
- Evaluate the group to make sure it is meeting your goals. If the study group is not working for you, discuss your concerns with the group and try to come up with suggestions for improvement. If you decide to leave the group, do not leave your colleagues in a lurch (such as by dropping out the week it is your turn to lead a group meeting).
