Many college students use study groups a way to stay on top of their many classes. Study groups are a great way to get more information about whatever you are studying while making new friends and getting to know people. However, there are ways that a study group can be more efficient and you can get the most from the experience.
First you need to determine how often the group wants to meet. If the majority of the group is only interested in meeting around test time to make sure that everyone understands what is likely to be on the test, then you should probably go with the majority. Other students who need more help can form their own group and meet more often.
You also need to think about where you are going to meet. Most study groups meet in a classroom or at the campus library. It is easy for most students to meet somewhere on the campus because students are usually around the campus during the day. Coffee shops are also great places to meet.
Many times in study groups little work gets done because students want to complain. It is difficult to be in college and complaining is a great way to vent, especially since the group will understand what you are going through. However, there is a time and a place for venting and during the study group is not the appropriate time. If you are having a hard time controlling gossip and complaining, lead the group back towards the discussion.
There is nothing more frustrating than being in a group with someone who is not participating or contributing but taking credit for the work. In study groups, there are people who just want to show up and gather information without contributing. The way to handle this is to talk to this person. Make them understand that they have to contribute if they want to be a part of the group.