Following what we discussed in the previous article, Group learning I, I will list the benefits that are achieved if we practice group study constantly, during the period preceding the period of public exams:
Benefits of group study for candidates
- Clarification of doubts: Doubts that one encounters during solitary study can be quickly resolved in a group setting. Often, one of the best ways to overcome a difficulty is to discuss it with others, as each member of the group can contribute his or her own approach. Also, by sharing your own doubts, you can help other classmates deal with issues they had not considered.
- Variety of approaches: By presenting your ideas or defending your conclusions in front of a group, you can gain a broader perspective on the different approaches that each person takes. It is often the case that by observing how others present their work or topics, you can pick up points of interest that you may not have considered and apply them to your own material. In addition, you may also excel in certain areas that your peers may not have mastered.
- Sharing resources: One of the greatest benefits of group study is the possibility of sharing resources. Materials such as notes, summaries, diagrams, even manipulative material (in the case of teaching exams) or photocopies of psychometric tests (in Law and Order corps exams) can be shared and improved collectively. What takes one candidate days to develop can be reviewed and optimized by the entire group, reducing the individual workload.
- Preparing for defenses: Personal attitude when presenting a project or work plan is essential. In study groups, simulations can be carried out to prepare the candidate to face a tribunal. Sharing experiences on how to maintain eye contact, how to improve public speaking or treating the jury with respect is an invaluable lesson that only the group environment can offer in such a rich way.
- Evaluation from different perspectives: The group can also take on the role of a panel by simulating an assessment. Being assessed by multiple people allows the student to receive more complete feedback on what needs to be improved. Sometimes, multiple views are more helpful than the opinion of a single assessor. In addition, each person in the group can offer valuable feedback based on his or her area of strength.
Important Considerations for Creating an Effective Study Group
Although group study has many advantages, it is not a foolproof method and there are certain considerations to keep in mind when creating an effective and productive study group. These keys are essential to making the most of group time:
Adequate number of members
Group size is crucial. While sharing ideas is positive, too large a group can be inefficient. Ideally, study groups should be between 3 and 5 people, as more members can cause distractions and less can focus too much of the load on the few who are actively participating.
Similarity in goals and commitment
It is important that all members of the study group are committed to the common goal of passing the exams. While not everyone has the same pace of study, the involvement should be similar. Make sure that the members you surround yourself with have a similar attitude and are willing to work collaboratively.
What role do group study techniques play?
The success of group study does not only depend on having good companions, but on applying effective methods. Some techniques that can be applied in group study sessions to improve performance are:
Complete notes
A very effective technique is to compare and complete notes. The compilation made by each member of the study group can be complementary, which allows for more complete and well-structured study material. This is particularly useful when someone has missed a class or has had difficulty understanding a particular topic.
Oral explanations
Assigning topics to each member of the group to present orally is an excellent technique. This method allows students to better assimilate concepts by having to explain them in their own words and make sure that others understand them. In addition, it encourages clarity in the expression of ideas and helps to memorize better.
FAQ
One way to interact in a dynamic way is by asking questions related to the content being studied. Each member can ask a series of questions to the rest of the group and agree on the answers. This exercise, in addition to increasing understanding, simulates the conditions of the exam.
Debates and discussions
Debates are extremely beneficial, especially on topics that allow for multiple approaches. Analyzing certain topics in depth and defending different positions helps to structure and dispel possible doubts. It also allows members to put their public speaking and pressure management skills to work.
Common mistakes when studying in a group
- Lack of organization: The main mistake is not having a clear structure in the sessions. Many times the group is easily distracted if there is no well-defined schedule and study plan.
- Excessive dependence on the group: Although group work is effective, one should not rely entirely on it. It is necessary to complement group study with individual study to internalize the concepts and avoid total dependence.
- Distractions: Non-study-related conversations are inevitable in a social setting. It is crucial that all participants stay focused and commit to avoiding unnecessary distractions.
- Differences in learning pace: Not all members learn at the same pace or in the same way. This can cause frustration if not managed properly, so the times and particularities of each member must be respected.
Disadvantages of group study
Despite the advantages mentioned above, group study is not without its drawbacks. Some of these are:
- Risk of distraction: Without a clear structure or a defined purpose, study meetings can quickly drift into irrelevant topics.
- Different levels of commitment: Not all group members may be equally engaged, which can result in frustration and wasted time for those who are more focused.
- Group dependency: If students only study in a group, they may become overly dependent on each other for their own study. This can be counterproductive when the exam is completed individually.
- Time management: A group where one member moves faster than the others or vice versa can create imbalances and make the group not as effective as it should be.
Group study is beneficial when properly organized, when working with a committed group, and when completed with effective techniques. However, each candidate must find a balance between collaborative and individual study to maximize their performance.