This toolkit has been assembled in collaboration with Student Accessibility and Achievement to help you make the most of your study groups! Check out the information below or download the PDF document to save and share.
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Study halls vs. study groups
Study halls
- Independent studying with a group of people
- Creates a sense of community
- Set times with regular breaks
- Meetings are not mandatory
Study groups
- Students from the same course working together to a shared goal
- Smaller groups (3-5 people)
- Set times
- Meetings are mandatory
Things to think about
- Groups can be private or public (think about who you would like to have access)
- Make sure you provide a description with the goals and norms for the group
- Think about how you want to moderate the group
Online platforms
Tips for an active study group
- Create a schedule. Plan when and where. Stay consistent.
- Schedule breaks. Schedule in phone breaks and time for chatting so you can stay focused while working.
- Come prepared. Complete all assignments, review notes and write down any questions.
- Assign roles. Note-taker, facilitator, time keeper etc. Try to volunteer for roles that stretch you!
- Create group norms. What is the purpose of the group? What is expected of each member?
- Set goals. Set goals for each meeting—what do you want to get done?
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Being a positive group member
Organize your study environment
Keep your space organized and away from distractions.
Ask questions
Stay active during group discussions! Ask questions and make sure you understand.
Stay positive
Remind your group about the importance of staying positive—you are all here to learn!
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Running your virtual study group
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Check-in
Review group norms. This is important to make sure everyone knows the expectations.
Set goals for today. What do you hope to accomplish during this meeting?
Check-in with group members. Ask how everyone is feeling. Is there anything we should be aware of?
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Work
Create a schedule to meet all your goals. Make a plan for today and stick with it!
Make time for breaks. Taking times for breaks will make your work time more focused.
Stay on topic. You are all here to learn. Make the most of your time together.
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Check-out
Review what was accomplished. Did you cover everything? What was missed?
Divide roles/tasks for next meeting. Plan what needs to get done before you meet again.
Check-out activity. Ask how everyone is feeling. Were everyone's needs met?
Additional resources
Study group additional information
- Study Groups: Benefits, Tasks, & Rules – University of British Columbia Okanagan
- Successful Study Strategies: Studying in Groups - Wellesley College
- Studying in Groups vs. Self Study – Oxford Learning
Online platforms
- TLS: Learning with Zoom - McGill University
- Using Microsoft Teams – Microsoft Support
Tips for an active study group
- 15 Time Management Tips - Entrepreneur
- On Setting Group Norms - Brushy Fork Institute
- SMART Goals – Mind Tools
- Group Roles: Maximizing Group Performance – University of Waterloo
- 7 Rules of Study Groups – Smart Student Secrets
Tips for being a positive group member
- 15 Rules of Netiquette – Online Education Blog of Touro College
- Student Wellness Hub: Effective Communication – McGill University