5 tips for creating study groups to help you master your classes
by Dayna Diamond, Digital Arts and New Media Master’s Candidate at UC Santa Cruz
If you’re struggling in a class, if you want to hear a concept explained by someone other than the professor, or even if you’d just like to meet other students, study groups are an excellent solution.
In fact, even if you already get the basics of your class, you can understand it even better by explaining it to someone else.
This is why I’m sold on study groups!
Now how do I make a study group?
It can seem hard to meet people in college with huge classes that only meet a few hours a week and a schedule that is uniquely your own. However, with these tips, you’ll be making study groups in no time.
1. Don’t rush away
One of the best ways to meet people is to hang out when class finishes. You can strike up a chat with another student as you’re leaving class or spread out to study in the building. You’d be surprised how many times I’ve had informal study groups just because we all started studying outside the classroom after class.
Remember, the goal is to learn and get ahead, so pick people who seem diligent and invested in learning the material. After all, if you can ask them questions, get notes, and make sure you know what homework is due, that gives you a crucial leg up. Then swap contact information.
Organize your study group in LifeSpace
2. Use social media
A lot of people feel more comfortable giving out their social media handles or connecting on Facebook than sharing their phone number. And not everyone has unlimited text and talk. Make yourself available by having social media accounts. Then people can message you through whatever platform you both feel comfortable with.
3. Connect online
Using an organizational app such as LifeSpace that allows you to connect to other students can bring your study group to the next level. You can combine notes, help each other by adding homework to a checklist, and share useful links.
Download LifeSpace for Student Success
4. Pick a time and invite people. Or just say “yes” and then go!
If someone else invites you to a study group and you don’t have a conflicting class, make that commitment, say “yes” and go! Otherwise, pick a time that works for you and start inviting people.
5. Bonus Tip: Make a Sign
When meeting with your group, make a little sign that says “Class Name Study Group” and put it out on the table. That way, other studiers know they’ve found the right place!
Dayna Diamond
Digital Arts and NewMedia Master’s Candidate
UCSC ‘21
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