Learning Portal - Study Skills : Study in Groups

How Do We Study in a Group?

In study groups, you can use the fact that you are working with others to your advantage. There are some study activities that you need other people for! Here are some study techniques that you can use with your group.

Predict Test or Exam Questions 

Have each person come up with study questions from class notes or the textbook. You can also use a test review or the questions in a textbook. Once your group has come up with questions, you can all use them to come up with your own answers. For example, if you have an upcoming anatomy test, you can try to figure out what questions are most likely to appear on the test and practice answering them.

Summarize 

Come up with a list of terms or key concepts. Then, take turns having people summarize each term or concept in their own words.

You can even turn this into a game. Have each person write down what they think the definition of a term is, then have one person read the actual definition.

Play Games 

Games are a good way to make studying a bit more fun. Here are some examples of games you can use/invent to help you remember information:

• Matching terms and definitions. For example, write the names of terms on one set of note cards, and the definitions on another set. Scramble up the cards, and try to match the terms with the correct definitions. You can also do this online using Quizlet.
• Speed labelling. For example, if you’re trying to remember the names of bones in a human body, look at the image of a skeleton and try to label the different bones as fast as you can. You can create your own diagram game online using Quizlet.
• “Quiz Show” or Jeopardy! You can use note cards or an online tool to build your own game show. Take turns as the host and ask each other questions to score points. Here are some online tools you can use to create your own games:
  • Factile (multiple choice, memory, flashcards, or Jeopardy-style)
  • Jeopardy Labs
  • SuperTeacherTools (Jeopardy-style, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and more)
  • Kahoot (quiz games)
• Existing online games and apps: There are many existing apps and websites that are designed to help students learn and remember information. Search online and in your phone’s app store to see if you can find something for your topic.

Use Spaces and Equipment on Campus 

On campus, you can make use of a range of resources, such as those that follow, to help you study:

• Whiteboards: Brainstorm or map out concepts with your group, (e.g., make flow charts to show how concepts are connected). You can find whiteboards in the Learning Commons and in some meeting spaces on campus.
• TV monitors: View images on-screen so you can discuss them (e.g., work through a process or name the parts of a diagram). You can find TV monitors in the Learning Commons and in some meeting spaces on campus.
• Lab space: Go over hands-on skills (e.g., practice something you learned in class).
• Meeting rooms: Ensure you have the space to study together and you can talk without disturbing others by using a meeting room.

Come up with Memory Tools to Share

Figure out what concepts group members are having trouble remembering. Divide these concepts up and have each person come up with a memory tool, a song, a rhyme, etc. to remember the idea. Share your tools with the group. For example, are you having trouble remembering the names of essential amino acids? Try an acronym (like PVT. TIM HALL) to remember. For more on this, check out the module on Memorizing and Understanding Concepts.

What Roles Can We Play in the Group?

People have different strengths and skills that they bring to a group, and they can fill different roles that match their skills. Read more about the different types of roles in a study group below so you can figure out how you and other members can contribute.

• Coach:
  • Person-oriented leader
  • Coordinates resources and people
  • Recognizes people’s strengths and how they can be used
  • Tries to make sure everyone works well together
• Facilitator/Gate Keeper:
  • Strong desire to achieve objectives and consistently make progress
  • Breaks goals down into manageable tasks
  • Shapes the direction of the group activities
  • Keeps the group on-task and avoids getting off-topic
• Innovator:
  • Creative and imaginative
  • More concerned with the big picture than the details
  • Comes up with ideas to help the group solve problems
  • Thinks and does things “outside the box”
• Troubleshooter / Challenger:
  • Uses logic and thinks things over thoroughly
  • Looks at potential flaws or problems with ideas
  • Considers alternative perspectives
• Researcher / Resource Gatherer:
  • Goes outside the team to bring in ideas and information
  • Good at finding and using other resources
  • Provides the facts needed to evaluate ideas and solve problems
  • Enthusiastic about new ideas
• Helper:
  • Works well with different group members
  • Likeable, diplomatic, and supportive
  • Helps the team agree on ideas, and keeps the group motivated
  • Offers help to group members that need it
• Perfectionist:
  • Has high standards for themselves and others
  • Is concerned with the details
  • Finishes tasks thoroughly

These roles are adapted from the following lists:

• Group work roles from EduTech Wiki contributors, used under CC BY NC SA 3.0
• Group Roles: Maximizing Group Performance from the University of Waterloo Centre for Teaching Excellence and used under CC BY NC 4.0.

The content is available under CC BY NC SA 4.0

How Can We Meet Online?

Zoom is a video conferencing tool that you can use to meet with your group. Watch the video below (The Learning Portal Ontario, 2020) to learn more about how to use it. You can also use one of the other meeting tools listed on this page.