Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Strategic Reading Club
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
    • Roots2Words
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
April 4, 2017 by Mike Bergin

Creating Superior Study Groups

While you may have heard that he who travels fastest travels alone, sometimes speed is not the priority. In academics, students strive towards a level of total comprehension that leads to outstanding grades, test scores, and project results. If working on your own doesn’t deliver the success you are looking for, realize you don’t need to go it alone.

Effective study groups supercharge learning in a wealth of ways, channeling shared knowledge and motivation to individual achievement. Study groups provide a social component that attracts extroverts while demanding the accountability procrastinators need to get work done on time. In many ways, the right study group is the solution for many academic woes… assuming you can find one.

If your school or teacher cannot connect you to the kind of study group, you need not worry. Creating a superior study group is easier than you think, especially if you follow some simple guidelines.

WHO
Your main priority centers around selecting the right people. Diversity of ability and personality an work well, but, for best results, find study partners who share your commitment. Study groups only work when members show up on time motivated to get excellent work done.

HOW MANY
The optimal number for a team depends on its purpose. Obviously, a basketball team needs fewer members than, say, an orchestra. When organizing study groups, two members are too few, though in some cases, one good study partner can be enough to accomplish your goals. By the same reasoning, too many members creates a cacophony of social interactions that distract from learning. For best results, according to the David Eccles School of Business blog, an ideal study group should have between three and five members. Five is the magic number supported by many studies and a reasonable limit to members of s study group.

HOW OFTEN
The Duke Academic Resource Center suggests that an effective study group should meet at least once a week. Sessions should last at least one hour but probably no more than two.

LOCATION
Depending on availability, classrooms can be perfect locations for study groups. Libraries that offer group study rooms also work well. Even a student’s home can be suitable as long as a quiet, distraction-free environment is available; parents serving up tasty snacks can be considered a bonus!
 
Of course, putting together the perfect study group is just the beginning. You’ll still need to pick a format, set goals, and designate a leader. But whether you are building your own super study group or joining an existing one, you can feel good about taking a positive step towards greater academic success.

learning study groups

Previous articleIntroducing the PreACTNext article SAT: The Single
Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • Top Earning College Majors
  • Top Timing Tips for Tests
  • Muhammad Ali Knows Test Prep
  • Coping with the College Waitlist
  • No, SUNY is Not Test Blind

What is TestFlip?

Learn about the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning:

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

PARENT GROUP AND NEWSLETTER

Are you an Upstate New York parent with questions about college admissions, testing, and scholarships? The Upstate NY College Conversations Facebook group is for you. Join today!

And also sign up for College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert educational advice, test news, admissions action steps, special offers, and more.

Testimonials

Your expertise regarding the ACT and SAT was obvious and your teaching methods were excellent! We are very indebted to you for being an important part of our son’s success. Thanks again!

Marc, Mendon dad

Read more testimonials...

PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is the ultimate college admissions industry podcast. Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley every Tuesday and Friday as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts.
© 2023 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.