Advice for Study Groups

[amandagill]

I have always been an independent studier. I'm currently in med-surge, though, and it's kicking my butt. I'm going to give group studying a go and see if that improves my test scores.

I've gotten together a study group, but we're all new to group study. Any tips or advice to make it more effective?

[StudentOfHealing]

I personally believe that the best thing for study groups is testing each other. Everybody asks questions, perhaps everyone is assigned a topic and they can ask the group questions pertinent to said topic. Make it FUN. Dull reading of notes can be done on your own.

Important*** study groups are to STUDY

NOT learn for the FIRST time...

Be sure everyone comes read & prepared.

Be stern and set rules.

Set breaks for small talks.

Don't let it turn into a...

B.... Fest.

Keep the group SMALL... 3-4 maximum.

[swansonplace]

Listen to Feuer Review when you are walking, waking up, shopping, waiting for clinicals, etc. Use Davis RN Success cd for questions.

[swansonplace]

Be very organized and time conscious. If you had a blueprint of the exam, those topics could be covered.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

We ask any questions from notes that week we may have. After that, we do NCLEX reviews questions. It is EXTREMELY helpful to talk through the rationales when you don't understand them.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Stay on topic. The study group is designed for studying for a test, don't get off topic about something in your personal life or a rant about your classes. I don't like study groups, the only advantage is clarification on something you are confused about and being quizzed.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I would also say, keep it small. The more people, the easier it is to get off track.

[swansonplace]

We used email in our class. You can use a shared document on google, or drop box to share lectures and other resources. We created a virtual support system, and it saved us lots of time. Right before exams we met and went over the blueprint or any questions.

Also, our clinical group use to meet at lunch and before class. We went over whatever was bothering us. Saved time, and it was helpful.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Rule are important. Make sure the time is well-spent. Discuss rationales out loud and why the other answers in the study guide do NOT work. For instance, someone can start the conversation by describing the route that blood takes thru the heart and lungs. Others can KINDLY make corrections as needed, or ask why this occurs when. Later you will discuss what an ekg looks like at various points. This means everyone has to be prepared when they arrive. If they are not prepared, they should be excluded from the group. You do not have time to teach the lazy ones.