Study group or no study group?

LeesieBug · Sep 5, 2004

It all depends on your personal preference and capabilities. Some people may do well with a study group, but I've tried it out a few times over the years and generally hated the experience. It's just not my cup of tea.

I study better on my own. For the most part, my study groups usually involve too much extraneous chit-chat that ends up distracting me from the topic.

Not having a study group does NOT mean you will fail, it just means you have a different learning style. The statement made by instructor was NOT an accurate one! Like I said, though, everyone is different. If it may help you to break the work up into partners, you can find a very trustworthy group that you KNOW will hold up their end of the deal, and it helps you to discuss the topics....give it a try!

jbarnes · Sep 5, 2004

I hard Part 2 and 3 of my orientation this past Weds. and Thurs. One of our professors suggested that we form study groups. She said that there is no way to do "this" by ourselves. Do you all think that this is true? Part of me thinks I can complete nursing school w/out forming a study group, but once I skimmed through my first week of reading, I began to doubt myself.
Fatima

I am in my third semester nursing school. in the beginning i thought about a study group. Some of my classmates started right off the bat looking for people to group with. I did not. I had the feeling that I could do this on my own. Truth is i have a very busy life, two active involved kids a husband that works 60 hours per week etc. and i did not think i could adhere to a study group. i did sit in once and found they pretty much argued over little things rather than progress. Who is right who is wrong etc. i don't have time for that. my study time is precious and i value any time extra i have to study. I have found getting in a quiet spot just pouring over my books has been the one and only way for me to learn. But i know some real smart nursing students who do the study group thing. My advice is do not obligate yourself right now. listen to yourself and find the best way for you. Think inwardly and focus on the inner confidence that got you to nursing school in the first place. Time management is the most important thing. Never get behind and treat your nursing school like it is a job. Get up every morning ready to put in 8 hours work. best wishes :)

mariedoreen · Sep 5, 2004

I am in my third semester nursing school. in the beginning i thought about a study group. Some of my classmates started right off the bat looking for people to group with. I did not. I had the feeling that I could do this on my own. Truth is i have a very busy life, two active involved kids a husband that works 60 hours per week etc. and i did not think i could adhere to a study group. i did sit in once and found they pretty much argued over little things rather than progress. Who is right who is wrong etc. i don't have time for that. my study time is precious and i value any time extra i have to study. I have found getting in a quiet spot just pouring over my books has been the one and only way for me to learn. But i know some real smart nursing students who do the study group thing. My advice is do not obligate yourself right now. listen to yourself and find the best way for you. Think inwardly and focus on the inner confidence that got you to nursing school in the first place. Time management is the most important thing. Never get behind and treat your nursing school like it is a job. Get up every morning ready to put in 8 hours work. best wishes :)

Words of wisdom above... Can't be said any better.

My A&P instructor also gave that speech about how we wouldn't survive if we didn't join with a study group. I went to a session and couldn't believe 2-3 hours of my precious time had just been wasted with their talk of recipes, husbands, children, and pets. They weren't taking the class nearly as seriously as I was so I never went to another one... until the end of the year when we were going over some difficult material and they begged me to come to their study session and explain it to them. So, I did. We spent 15 minutes on the issue at hand and then it went back to the same old crap. I'm with the poster above.. do what's most effective for you, but don't buy into the instructor's message that you won't make it if you don't join a group..

IMustBeCrazy · Sep 5, 2004

I have a great study group, but we don't have a set time that we always meet. Mainly we meet before tests and we call each other with questions occasionally during the week. When we do get together it's always focused on the task at hand. We reserve that time to go over study guides that have answers and rationales in the back, as well as class notes. I find this very helpful since while we are posing questions from the study guides we each state our answers and briefly explain why we are voting for a particular answer. Personally, I have found this invaluable in the critical thinking arena.

Christina_NICU · Sep 5, 2004

I think it depends on how you study. Personally I am better at studying alone. I get better grades when I study alone, I put the time into it, and I retain more info. That's me. I've tried study groups and it's just not good for me. But some people really like them and it helps them, and works for them.

It totally depends on you. You shouldn't let someone dictate your study habits, because it's very personal. My school professors said similar things, too. I talk to my classmates and we have group projects and such, but when it comes to reading my chapters, taking notes, and studying for exams I do that on my own.

If you find something is not working for you right away, then try some alternatives and modify your habits so you can retain the info. and get passing grades. :)

hypnotic_nurse · Sep 5, 2004

I did not have a study group the first year -- I do well with studying on my own.

My second year, though, the person on one side of me failed and the person on the other side was close, as were the two people that sat in front and behind me -- so one of the instructors asked me set up a study group for all of them since I knew them and was doing well.

I provided the place and drinks -- and I insisted each person who came presented one part of the material we had in class. I myself did not present anything, but did ask clarification questions if I thought the people listening or the person presenting just wasn't getting it. :) (I used to be a teacher.) My classmates all passed, so we did something right -- and I enjoyed it. I think the trick is to use your time wisely, limit your study group time and structure it.

RN-TO-BE · Sep 6, 2004

I am in my second year of an ADN program and have never studied in a study group. At the beginning of the first year, all of my friends were forming study groups and swapping notes, etc but it just doesn't work for me. I have tried them in the past and it seems that it is more of a gossip time than a study time. I do so much better studying by myself. After taking the NET test, my advisor actually told me that by my answers that I am a better loner studier. Plus, I have two very active children and a demanding husband and do better just sitting up or getting up early in the mornings studying alone. I am able to format my studying time around what is going on with my children, hubby, etc.

That is just what works for me. Everyone may be different. I have been fine studying alone and make decent grades.

Hope this helps!!

fnimat1 · Sep 6, 2004

Thanks everyone for your advice and suggestions. I was more focused on getting into a study group, and if I did would it help me pass. When the fact of the matter is I have to do what works for me. I think it all boils down to "studying smart". Thanks again....

Fatima

truern · Sep 6, 2004

i study in a group, and i think it makes all the difference in our grades...IF being in a group suits your style of studying.

we stay on task, taking 5 minute breaks for chit chat every 30 minutes which is what most experts will tell you is the best time cycle for retaining the material.

i wouldn't trade my study group!! we all get excellent grades and do well in clinicals. works for us :)

checkers · Sep 6, 2004

I was wondering the same thing, our instructors gave the same speech, almost sounded like a requirement. I just feel like the time it takes to drive to the meeting place and get going is not really my thing, I get distracted and like to re-read and take my own notes. I guess I'm missing out on some moral support... but maybe that's why I'm here. I think this site is the best, becuase you can read what may apply to you and are getting to the point, and it seems like there are plenty of knowlegable folks around.