Forming Connections in 1E: Collaboration

Objectives for this activity

During this activity, you will:

  • Describe how to form and conduct an effective study group.
  • Identify key characteristics of an effective study group.
  • Form a study group and become an active member of the group.

In the What to Know [1E], you learn about the characteristics of effective study groups. Study groups that dedicate time to meet outside of class can be one of the most powerful components of a student’s success in college. Successful students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process, and successful students working in small study groups tend to learn more and retain information longer than when the same content is presented in other instructional formats. When they make the time and the effort to participate in a learning community, students can create a strong ownership of responsibility in a learning community. In this activity, we’ll learn how to create a study group and how to set guidelines and expectations to help a group run effectively for the success of its members. 

Forming Effective Study Groups

Our discussion about creating a positive learning environment and learning community continues from Forming Connections [1B]. One component of a productive learning community can be out-of-class study groups.

Five people gathered around a table with open books on it.

Guidance

[Intro: “Working alone can be intimidating. The sheer amount of work and studying that you have to do can sometimes be overwhelming. Many of us just rely on what has worked in the past to get through a big commitment like a college class. But keeping to ourselves within a course may limit our learning opportunities. Research shows that working in groups and being actively involved in the process is how students learn best.  That’s why this course encourages you to work pairs and small groups to complete the activities. We know that  working with others may seem intimidating, especially if they are strangers. This is natural. But studies have repeatedly shown that the best kind of learning happens outside of our comfort zones and comfortable networks. So just remember that everyone else in the group is probably feeling uncomfortable, too. 

Study groups that meet outside of the classroom are valuable because they provide assistance, comfort, security, support, encouragements, and an opportunity for students to share perspectives and skills. Working together to understand course material helps reinforce the concepts and aids retention. So it makes sense to develop ways to work together, both inside and outside the classroom. Let’s begin by discussing Question 1, “What is a study group and what is its purpose?”   ]

Our goal for this activity is to describe how to form and conduct a study group, identify the characteristics of an effective group, and then to form groups for this class and become active members.

Start by discussing Question 1 with a classmate. What is a study group? Use your own understanding, developed in discussion with a partner to answer the question, rather than looking up a formal definition.

Question 1

What is a study group and what is its purpose?

Do you agree or disagree that study groups can be an effective component of learning? Answer Question 2 individually then discuss your responses with the class.

Question 2

Consider the following statement:

Studying in groups helps students learn more effectively.

 

Part A: Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

 

Part B: Have you ever participated in a study group that met outside of a college class?

 

Part C: In the past, have you had a positive or negative experience with a study group?

 

Part D: What are some reasons for that experience?

Now, reflect individually on Questions 3 – 5 and record your answers. Afterward, discuss your answers with a partner, then with the class. Together, generate a list of answers to these questions.

Question 3

What are some reasons students would consider participating in a study group?

Question 4

What are some guidelines for forming and conducting a successful study group?

Question 5

What are some ways in which the group could determine its meeting time?

Guidance

[Summary: “Here is a list of some of the responses that tend to come up when answering the questions in this activity. [show a list]. What are the pros and cons of participation in a study group? Why should you join one? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Here is a list of some of the pros and cons that tend to come up when students think about these: [Pros: a place to ask questions, summarize material, learn through collaboration and teamwork, discuss with others, gain multiple perspectives, make new friends and networks, share notes an study tips. Cons: requires too much time, hard to coordinate schedules, groups can be too large or too small, they only work when everyone does their part, they get off-topic, you give up personal study-time to participate, some members are dominating and some are too quiet.] Are there ways to overcome potential disadvantages?]

When considering whether or not to participate in a study group, it can be helpful to compile a list of the advantages and potential disadvantages of doing so. Then, it is equally as important to compile a list of guidelines designed to overcome the disadvantages.

Discuss with your classmates what disadvantages you think could prevent you from joining a study group. Then, each of you come up with guidelines that could overcome the disadvantage. Some questions to consider include:

  • “What criteria should students meet to be included in a study group?”
  • “How many students should be included in a study group?”
  • “Where is an ideal place to meet?”
  • “What rules/expectations will the study group have in place?”

See the table below for examples.

Disadvantage of participating in a study group Guideline for the group that overcomes the disadvantage
Groups are too small or too large Study groups should have three to four members
Groups don’t meet regularly, or they meet casually and I miss out. Study groups should meet once a week at a scheduled place and time.
Groups don’t have any focus or agenda. A leader should be appointed to decide on the topics for the week. The leader role can rotate through group members.
Only one or two people end up doing all the work. Group members should commit to keeping current with the coursework and act as accountability-partners for one another.
Groups get off-topic and turn into social gatherings. Appoint a person to fill the role of facilitator and give them the power to refocus the group. This role can rotate through group members.
Now that you have discussed the pros and cons and built up a good set of guidelines for participation, it’s time to form study groups for this class. To answer Question 6, identify about three other students to form a study group with. Make sure that you agree upon a time and place to meet. If you have difficulty identifying group members, record the contact information for at least one classmate.

Question 6

Identify three to four classmates and agree to form a study group.

 

Part A: Agree on a location/day/time for the first meeting, how many times a week you will meet, who will serve as an initial leader/facilitator, and what will be discussed at the first meeting.

 

Part B: Write down the name, phone number, and email address of each study group member.

 

Part C: Turn in the names of your study group members to your instructor.

Good job stepping outside your comfort zone to complete this activity! Your study group will become a powerful learning tool. Not only will you improve your chances for success in this class, but also the collaborative skills you learn can be applied to future academic and professional experiences. It’s time to move on to new material!