The first link to form our group is that of the Trust. All human elements must offer us their trust and vice versa. We must be clear that the group will all work together, and that the rivalry will remain for the rest of the opponents.
It is vital to establish a solid foundation of trust in any study group. If members distrust each other, teamwork is likely to suffer. Trust creates an environment of mutual respect and willingness to help, which are fundamental pillars in creating a successful group.
So ... Between several colleagues, can a private group be set up without the moderator that appears in the typical academy? Yes, of course, but for it to be truly successful a gradual planing must be done, which must be followed throughout the study stage, in which interventions, projects, debates ... will be moderated.
Steps to create an effective study group
Many students who choose to study in groups tend to fall into informality, which can make study time unproductive. To avoid this, it is essential to establish a well-organized work plan from the beginning.
First, it is important to distribute tasks and responsibilities from the beginning. Each group member can focus on a specific aspect of the syllabus and then share their findings with the others. This technique optimizes study time and allows each group member to delve deeper into different topics without feeling overwhelmed by the amount of material.
- Trust as a foundation: Everyone should feel comfortable sharing their ideas, without fear of being criticized.
- Planification and organization: As we mentioned previously, the success of a group lies in its ability to follow a work plan and discipline.
Benefits of group work
Studying in a group offers some key benefits, such as the power of collaboration and feedback. Among the main benefits:
- Improve understanding: Explaining topics to other group members reinforces your own understanding of the topic. When you can explain a concept, it is a sign that you have internalized it.
- Constant motivation: Mutual support within the team pushes each member to give their best. This generates greater responsibility and commitment to study.
- Problem solving together: If any doubts or problems arise during the analysis of the syllabus, the members can help to resolve them. Many times, what one person does not understand, another person masters perfectly.
Role of the leader or moderator in the study group
In many study groups, it can be helpful to have a moderator, either rotating or permanent.
The group leader or moderator is not necessarily the brightest person, but someone who has skills in managing time and ensuring that the group effectively follows the study schedule. This role can be changed within the group so that all members take on this responsibility and hone their organizational skills.
Constant updating of the curriculum
There is something that the traditional academy offers and that the private group does not have a priori, if they do not really work on it.. I mean the news, the latest news in everything: in legislation, a corrections of the call, in technologies…The group should have a window into what is being cooked up regarding the competitions that interest them.
It is crucial that the group stays up to date with the latest developments in the subject they are preparing for. Laws, exams, and other materials are often updated. To do this, it is advisable to assign a team member the task of researching these updates and sharing them at group meetings.
How to stay on track: task rotation
To keep the group well informed, I recommend that you take turns checking monthly for the latest developments by Internet (forums, oposiciones20, website of the Ministries, BOE, etc.), newspapers, visits to headquarters Government that lead the opposition, in case something new is seen on the board ...
For example: every 15 days a member of the group will carry out research on new developments. He will present what he has discovered to the rest of the group, and then it will be the turn of the next person, who will continue to be aware of the new developments for another 15 days.
Application of self-assessment and feedback techniques
A very useful technique to ensure that the group moves forward and that all members understand the topics is to implement self-assessment sessions. During these sessions, one member of the group can prepare a mini-exam or a question-and-answer dynamic for the rest of the team. This technique ensures that all group members remain active and prepared for the real exam.
Common difficulties in study groups
Setting up a group, with its rules and plan to follow, is not easy. Over time, a consensual calendar must be created that must be followed by everyone, and although many times we would prefer to pay the monthly fee and have everything done for us in the academies, the effort in the self-managed group has greater rewards.
Some common problems include:
- Low participation or motivation of some members.
- Disorganization regarding schedules and completion of assigned tasks.
- Conflicts between members related to the pace at which topics progress.
To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to keep the lines of communication open and, if conflicts arise, to resolve them amicably as a group.
How to resolve differences in the group?
It is common for differences to arise in a study group, whether it is due to the way of approaching topics, the pace of study or any other factor. The key is communication and establishing clear rules from the beginning.
It is advisable to hold occasional meetings just to assess how the group is working, without discussing the agenda. This allows members to adjust the working dynamic, solve problems and propose improvements.
Assigning roles and responsibilities can also help ensure that tasks are distributed fairly. For example, if someone is very good at a specific area, they can take on more responsibility in that part, while others can take on different aspects.
Finally, flexibility is key. If one day someone has a conflict and can't attend a meeting, the group should be able to adjust without creating friction.
By implementing all of these tips, study groups can be a powerful tool for achieving success in your studies. Well-organized teamwork can lead to better results than individual study, as it allows you to approach topics from different perspectives and learn from others.