Collaborative learning can be a powerful tool for academic success, particularly at the college level. While individual study certainly has its own advantages, participation in a well-structured and planned study group can boost comprehension, improve informational retention, and enhance overall performance. If well organized, a study group can be an excellent way to prep for exams, complete assignments, and hone good habits with ongoing benefits.
Benefits of Study Groups
Greater accountability
Joining a study group can help you stay committed to your academic responsibilities. You’ll likely take things more seriously by joining a group. A good sort of social pressure comes with study groups; no one wants to let their group down. Studying with other people can reduce procrastination and encourage consistency in your habits.
Diverse perspectives and insights
When you study with others, you get to see different ways of thinking and problem-solving. Your classmates may have insights you hadn’t considered, helping you understand complex topics more clearly. Plus, when you explain a concept to someone else, you reinforce your own knowledge and make it stick.
Better understanding of complex concepts
Studying alone can sometimes make it hard to notice what you don’t know. In a group, discussion can reveal areas where you need improvement and give you the chance to strengthen your understanding of the subject.
Enhanced communication and teamwork
Collaborating with a group helps you develop skills that go beyond academics. You’ll practice effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—valuable tools for both school and your future career.
Additional benefits include:
- Improved long-term memory through active discussions and reviews
- Increased motivation by studying with peers who share your academic goals
- A more enjoyable and communal experience
Setting Up Your Study Group
Choose the right members
The key to a successful study group is selecting motivated, reliable, and dedicated members. Keeping the group small—between three and six members—encourages engagement and minimizes distraction.
Define the group’s purpose
A clear goal ensures productive sessions. Your group may focus on an upcoming exam, a mandatory assignment, or a specific concept that forms a significant part of the course. Clarity on the group's objective will avoid irrelevant and distracting discussion and may also allow you to recognize areas for future study.
Find the ideal location
Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you can settle into discussion. A reserved study room on campus or a common area in your student housing apartment can provide the best environment for focused study and collaboration.
Planning Effective Sessions
Create an agenda
A well-structured study session is best for maximum efficiency. Start with a rundown of the goals you hope to achieve together. If this isn’t your first meeting, review previous discussions and be sure to prioritize the most challenging topics. Allocate timeslots for each part of the session.
Assign roles
Assigning roles within a study group helps keep sessions organized and productive. A facilitator guides discussions and keeps everyone on track, while a timekeeper ensures the group stays on schedule. A note-taker records key points and shares them for later review, and a questioner challenges the group by asking thought-provoking questions to deepen understanding. A resource finder looks up additional information when needed. Rotating these roles allows everyone to contribute and benefit from the study sessions.
Utilize study tools
Prepare resources such as flashcards, practice tests, and shared notes in advance. Some of the best resources, such as study apps, are digital and allow group members to collaborate and communicate even when they’re not in session.
Additional preparation tips:
- Bring a whiteboard or large notepad to map out key concepts visually.
- Encourage each member to bring one resource (a textbook, tablet or even snacks) to ensure everyone contributes and has a stake in the session.
Explore tutoring support
It’s not uncommon for universities to offer tutoring services that can augment group study efforts. The BYU-I tutoring center may offer group-based study sessions for your courses, so it is worth checking there.
Keeping the Group Productive
Setting ground rules
It is important to establish clear rules together and stick to them. Allow a certain amount of informal conversation to build community and friendship, but remember that everyone is there to learn. Active participation is the goal, and phones should be put away unless they’re being used as tools.
Use timers
Time management is about more than ensuring that you have enough study time blocked off. It is also important to break that time down into smaller chunks so that each topic gets enough time. Short breaks are also advisable to maintain concentration and prevent mental fatigue.
Following Up After Sessions
Sharing notes
After each study session, it’s important to review what was covered and reinforce key takeaways. A great way to do this is by sharing a summary of the discussion. Group members can also compare notes to fill in any gaps and ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the material. Keeping a shared document or group chat for follow-ups can make staying organized and preparing for the next session easier.
Planning the next session
Before wrapping up, be sure to schedule the next meeting and settle on topics for the discussion. The best time to schedule anything is when everyone is together. Planning something via text or social media can be more of a chore.
Maintaining accountability
Staying accountable between study sessions helps keep everyone on track and committed to their goals. A quick check-in or reminder can encourage group members to review materials and stay prepared, but balance is key. Avoid excessive messages or late-night notifications that might feel intrusive. Instead, a simple, well-timed reminder can reinforce commitment without overwhelming anyone, making the group a valuable and supportive resource rather than a source of stress.
Host a Study Group at Your Affordable BYU-I Apartment
The three most important aspects of a successful study group are preparation, collaboration, and consistency. If you’re looking for the ideal space to host study groups during your time at BYU-I, contact American Avenue or apply online today! With our cozy apartments and communal study areas, we have the perfect space for you.