As final exams approach, you might be looking for ways to boost your motivation and make studying more enjoyable.
One common piece of advice from faculty and alumni is to join a study group outside of class. Research studies show that working in informal groups (e.g. not ones that are assigned by the instructor and graded) can benefit your learning and help you feel more supported.
However, simply joining a study group won't automatically lead to better learning and higher grades. Just like when studying on your own, the keys to a productive group study experience are clear goals, a solid plan, and the use of effective learning strategies. To use your time effectively and gain the most from your study group, consider these recommendations from Learning at Iowa.
No matter how you choose to prepare, we wish you the best of with your exams!
Clarify your goals
Are you seeking motivation and accountability, or do you want to deepen your understanding of content in a particular course? If your primary goal is social support while studying, you might not need a full study group. Instead, consider an "accountability study buddy." This person doesn't need to be in the same courses but should be reliable and focused, helping you stay on track with your individual goals.
Pick a regular time to meet and set a timer for 45 minutes of distraction-free work. Share your goals for the study session and commit to keeping each other focused and off of your phones. After the timer goes off, take a break to socialize—chat, get a snack, or discuss your work. If you find yourself getting distracted too often, you might need to separate study time and social time to avoid stress come finals.
Have a solid plan
If you decide to create or join a study group for a specific course, consider these tips:
Keep the group small (3-5 people): Larger groups are harder to coordinate, logistically and socially, and can be more distracting.
Set a consistent schedule: Regular, shorter sessions (1-2 hours) over time are more productive since you are spacing out your learning. Remember to schedule in short breaks for social interaction so you can stay on task during the rest of the session.
Reserve study spaces: Check campus resources for reserving group study spaces.
Set expectations: You can use a group contract to discuss what each group member is expected to contribute to the study sessions.
Use Effective Learning Strategies
Studies show that using empirically supported strategies in group work is positively correlated with GPA. Incorporate these effective strategies into your group’s sessions:
Plan an agenda: Treat it like a student organization or a work meeting. Assign tasks or content for each member to prepare. For example, members can teach each other a chapter without referring to their notes or create practice problems on a particular topic.
Explain and test your knowledge: Take turns explaining content in your own words and quiz each other to ensure everyone understands the concepts. This helps identify knowledge gaps that you can clarify with the instructor before the exam.
Create original products: Avoid passive rereading or review. Work together to create flashcards, flow-charts, concept maps, or study guides that you can all use for individual studying.
For additional resources about effective learning, check out learning.uiowa.edu.