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Center for Academic Success has developed a practical starter kit to help you and your classmates study together productively!
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The Center for Academic Success
Study Group Starter Kit
THE “WHY” AND “HOW-TO” GUIDE to
Organizing Successful Study Groups
Center for Academic Success has developed a practical
starter kit to help you and your classmates study together
productively!
Why Participate In A Study Group?
You can supplement your individual study and gain a greater understanding of class material
Study groups allow an opportunity to: Share notes, study tips , ideas and talents Learn class material faster
and easier Complete class projects and
homework more quickly
Common Pitfalls
DistractionsUnproductiven
ess
ComplainingGroup-Thinking
DominationIntimidation
Avoid Pitfalls by Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning helps to: Minimize miscommunication Clarify goals Save time Reduce frustration, disappointment, confusion
Avoid Pitfalls by Using these 7 Steps!
Download Starter Kit
Survey Classmate
Interest
Advertise 1st
Meeting
Meetto Organize
Study Hold 1st Session
MotivateGroup
Members
Celebrate Relax, and Evaluate
12
34
56
7
STEP: 1
Download Study Group Starter Kit:
http://www.cas.lsu.edu/study-groups
Study Group Starter Kit Contents
Pre-Meeting
Tools
Meeting Tools
Post –Meeting Tools
Interest Flyer/Sign-Up Sheet
First Meeting AgendaCAS Special Message
Study Group Session Guide/Sample Agenda
Study Group GuidelinesTips for SuccessThe Study Cycle
Group Learning ResourcesStudy Cycle
Rules & Expectations Discussion Guide
Group Roles & Responsibilities
Blank Study Group Meeting Schedule
Blank Study Group Meeting Schedule
• Before class• Pick up after class
Option 1Distribute
Sign-Up List
• Message• Forum
Option 2Use Moodle
• Talk before or after class• Exchange information• Spread information to others
Option 3Word of Mouth
Step 2: Get Your Classmates Interested
STEP 3: Determine & Share Details of 1st Meeting
To Interested Peers
To Other classmates
Communicate
Best TimeBest
LocationBest Mode of Communicati
on
Determine
Sign-Up ListMoodle ResponsesPeer Verbal Statements
Analyze
Step 4: Use 1st Meeting to Organize
Names & MajorsIntroduce
Special CAS MessageRead/View
GuidelinesReview
Expectations, Tips for Success & DutiesDiscuss
Times, Dates & Locations SelectCorrect & Multiple Forms of Contact InfoGather
Purpose of Next Study SessionDecide
Group Size and Mix
• 4-5 members• Options for
selecting group members:• Similar
Availability• Learning styles • Similar academic
goals• Equivalent ability
Group Structure
• Choose Group Leader/Facilitator
• Assign roles to each member
Group Dynamics
• Discuss & Clarify• Goals• Expectations• Rules• Responsibilities
Guidelines
Discuss and Answer these Questions:
• Purpose: What is the purpose of our study group?
• Time and location: When and where are we going to meet?
• Goals: What are our standards? What are we aiming for?
• Function: How do we want to relate to each other? How do we want our group to function?
• Expectations: What do we expect from each other?
Goals, Rules, and Expectations
Schedule all meeting several weeks in
advance.Attend all meetings Arrive, Begin and End on
Time
Be prepared so you can contribute to the group
effort.
Tips for Success
Actively participate.
Promote each others
learning and success.Provide
assistance, support, and
encouragement.
Consistently check for
productivity and
efficiency.
More Tips for Success
Assign Roles in Your Groups
Time Keeper: Ensures meeting start and end on
timeMonitors time spent on task and
discussions
Liaison: Goes to professor, tutor or TA to get clarity on problems or topics for the group
Recorder: Keeps contact information
Keeps notes on study groups progress
Takes notes on important class
information
Communicator: Reminds members of meetings and assignments
Informs group of members absences
Leader/Facilitator:Ensures meeting runs smoothly
Ensures the groups goals, expectations are met
Communicator:
• Should send everyone a summary of first meeting and reminders for next meeting.
Recorder:• Begin making notes of assignments
and information covered in class.
Leader:• should make proper arrangements if
study area is to be reserved.
All members:
• In-put dates on personal calendars, and work to complete task assigned by the group.
Immediate Responsibilities(After Organization Meeting, Before 1st Study Session)
Example Assessment Questions
How is the structure working?
Are all members participating?
Was our goal met? How is the allotted
time?
STEP 5: Hold 1st Study Session
Choose purpose of
session
•Refer to Ways to Use Study Groups
Set an Agenda
Study
Assess Productivit
y
•Suggest Solutions
Plan for next
Session
Sample Study Session Agenda1 Hour
• Debrief, Socialize, Get Settled5-10m
• Set Session Goal1-3m
• Independent Learning15m
• Group Learning15-20m
• Independent Learning15-20 m
• Group/ Individual Assessment10m
• Review, Plan for Next Session5-10m
Preview/Review• Review, Compare, or fill-in notes• Save 10 mins. to preview for next class
• Concept Maps
Intensive Study • In general, for quizzes, for exams• Explain difficult concepts
Complete assignments, homework
Assess learning• Use Generic Question Stems
Suggested Uses of Study Groups
Learning New
Information
Use the Jigsaw Method
Learn a piece of information
Teach the rest of the group
Requires trust & interdependence
Assessing Deep
Learning
Try to articulate
answers for open-ended questions
Ex. Explain how? Why is
this important?
Intensive Test Study
Each members should submit predicted test
questions
Group should practice
questions both written and
verbally
Group Learning Options
Work Problems Prior to Session
Each person should teach how they solved
the problem Focus on reasoning instead of methodGain appreciation
for others thought process Do not copy solutions
with or without understanding
Make tougher multi-step problems a
priority
Content-Specific Tips(Quantitative/Math/Science)
• Begin by quizzing each other on basic terms and facts
• Progress to explaining whole concepts through writing or drawing
Learning processes, theories, &
major concepts
• Critique and proof each others work• Do not create a group outline for
assigned essay questions
Writing short answer/essay
s
Content-Specific Tips (Qualitative, Natural Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences)
Commitment to Study
Group
Contributions to Study
Group
Assessments &
Improvements
Classroom Performance
Positive Academic Behaviors
Step 6: Motivate Group Members to Keep Up:
Celebrate• Everyone’s
Success
Relax• To release
stress
Evaluate• Your
experience with Study Groups
STEP 7: Relax/Celebrate Accomplishments