Sometimes studying alone can be very difficult, especially when dealing with a subject that you are unfamiliar with. On the other hand, it is possible that several people together can understand different aspects of the subject a little better. Putting these resources together and forming a group can then make your life easier and increase your chances of success for an exam.
Steps
Step 1. Find the group
A good start is represented by talking to the person sitting next to you: if you don't know them, start by introducing yourself and asking her what she thinks about the lesson, then asking her naturally if she would like to study with you. Chances are he knows someone else who wants to join you.
Step 2. Make the group reach the appropriate size
Probably, a weekly study group of more than 6 people will be inefficient (and difficult to organize!). During the exam period, however, a larger group can work well, if it is an isolated event.
Step 3. Create a space to study
Look for a place that has as few distractions as possible. The school library is a good place to start, as long as no one can interrupt your study; usually, however, silence is imposed in a place like this. Look for an area suitable for a study group, such as a coffee shop or classroom that you could have reserved for you.
Step 4. Organize your study plan in detail
Ideally, start with a weekly review of each lesson. Consulting an old study guide from a past exam may also be helpful. It may be easier to divide the material among group members with special skills, for example by dividing chapters or by taking turns weekly.
Step 5. Go online with your fellow students and professors
There are a variety of resources, such as online student platforms that facilitate the exchange of both old and new study material. Many courses also have a Facebook group, and if yours doesn't already have one, you can always create it yourself.
Step 6. In any case, make sure that you and the group have exchanged their contact information, so that we can communicate with each other
Step 7. Ask questions, discuss and discuss the subject matter in detail
The ability to speak relevantly about a given topic will help you remember it better for an exam.
Step 8. Question each other
Simulate questions that might be part of the exam or class assignment. Try to prepare and inform each other about what you are studying.
Advice
- Try not to form a group made up exclusively of your friends: it would probably turn into a series of meetings based on gossip and jokes.
- First, do your homework and start with the hardest topics. If you get stuck, you can email the professor and forward the answer to the rest of the group.
- Try to get one or two people to teach a topic to the rest of the group. It is best if it is a subject that the person has some difficulty with, since we usually remember about 95% of what we teach.
- In times of exams, a good job could be to sketch a short essay together, or play a sort of "Rischiatutto".
- If the assigned readings are particularly large, have everyone deal with the basics and divide the in-depth parts (such as academic discussions, for example) among the various members of the group. During the session, present the key points of the part that has been assigned to you.
- During the exams you can increase the number of group members, for example by merging it with another group on the occasion of a single session, during which you can focus on a topic that has already been addressed or some particular area of study. A new point of view can be extremely useful.
Warnings
- It is important that everyone keeps up with the readings - watch out for freeloaders! The purpose of a study group is to collaborate and learn together.
- Don't delay: set a place and a weekly deadline, and stick to it.
- Be careful not to go off topic: have someone take it upon themselves, every week, to prevent the group from talking unnecessary nonsense.
- Respect your teacher's will as to which tasks should be done individually. Otherwise, you may receive a very low grade, be suspended, or face disciplinary sanctions.
