Getting the most out of studying in a group

0

Sarawak-Yes-LOGO-NEW-x-TRASSarawakYES!-Column---27-FebTHE saying ‘two heads are better than one’ means that if you work together with others, it would make it easier to accomplish tasks or produce better results. There are a lot of benefits in doing things together in a group, and this includes studying.

The following are some of the ways you can make the most of study groups.
Prepare a study schedule

It’s quite common for students to take up more than one course, which is why it’s important to work out a schedule to ensure you cover every topic that’s required.

When you’re planning a schedule, it’s important to involve those studying with you early on. Take some time to discuss your schedule with them. This would give everyone a better idea on how to plan ahead so they can also maximise their time effectively.

Remember, you need to follow the schedule as closely as possible and always be considerate towards others at all times.
Plan ahead

Planning well in advance is essential in making sure the learning process is effective. It’s good practice to prepare a set of questions for your study group beforehand. Being prepared to share additional knowledge or information also helps you maximise the time you have with the group. Also make sure that all the materials and resources you need are with you throughout the session so you don’t have to move around too much, which can be distracting.

You should also seek advice from other members of the study group about the topics everyone plans to study. Doing so helps to cover everything that needs to be discussed.
Carefully select study partners

Each session of a study group usually focuses on a particular topic. Having people who are like-minded and with almost similar goals as yours can make a lot of difference. Identifying the skills and strengths of your study partners can also help you plan better.

Appoint a facilitator/tutor

Every group needs a facilitator to provide direction and ensure the group meetings accomplish the desired task. Choose those who usually perform well in the relevant topic, so they can provide sound advice and share pointers with the group.

Apart from that, there’s also nothing wrong with inviting a lecturer or a tutor to join your study group, so if you have the chance, go ahead and do so.

This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.