Study Groups Necessary???

pink2blue1 · Jul 18, 2005

I have asked myself this question over and over. So far any attempts we have made at study groups, it's been ok, but I find that right now I have done better on my own. I have gotten together with a group (the same group) a few times and it turned into a social time rather than really studying. I am interested in hearing what other students who have been at this longer think.

Shannon

ageless · Jul 18, 2005

I was not a study group person, although many in my class (many years ago) did go that route. I did as well or better than most in my class. I found that some study groups became coffee clutchers and sometimes gossip groups. I did better without the distractions. Go with your gut and get a buddy and sometimes clarify material together.

As you continue your career after graduation, you will still be learning and studying to stay current...there may be no study group available then unless you go back to academia.

crb613, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2005

I just don't do well with study groups. I need to process things my own way & learn it that way. I find that getting off the subject happens alot. It also seems like I get my brain picked as to how to remember/understand what ever we are studying.I am an average student but I work hard & will not stop until I fully understand something & it seem like in the groups they take alot of breaks & waste time. I do better by myself or with one good study partner to bounce ideas/concepts off of each other. Hope this helps. :)

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 18, 2005

I was one of those who did much better studying on my own. We had several study groups in my class, but I found that whenever I joined one, we tended to get off topic and BS, drink coffee, and laugh rather than study (and yes, I was probably the cause of the problem! :chuckle ).

I think there is often a fair amount of pressure to be involved in study groups, both on the part of instructors and other students, and it's just not for everyone. Don't feel bad if you decide to do your own thing---it's YOUR learning experience, and you need to do it YOUR way.

JenNJFLCA · Jul 18, 2005

Some people have done great in our program without study groups. It's nice to have at least one close buddy to dicuss things with, and maybe a couple more to do some more comparing, but when it comes to the night or 2 before exams, I get kind of anxious so I'm better off studying on my own.

RN_Jen · Jul 18, 2005

I have always been part of a study group and I find it very helpful, but that's just my learning style....I retain more if I can talk it through, and often I find that somebody else's explanation makes more sense to me. We study on our own for everyday stuff, but when it comes time for exams the group gets together. I think the important thing is to keep the group small (no more than 4 or 5) and be as discerning in choosing the members as you would in choosing a spouse (well, okay, maybe that's a bit extreme, but you get the idea.) I always try to look for people who are prepared for class and seem to be self-sufficient, ie, not too needy, and have study habits similar to my own. They don't necessarily have to be the smartest ones in the class, but they do have to be willing to work. Sometimes you have to make adjustments as time goes on....you may find that someone isn't really working out, but you do it and move on. Yes, we do occasionally get distracted, but overall we are pretty good about staying on task, and we all do better on exams when we study as a group. I've also found that having a mixed-gender group will keep the "nail salon" talk to a minimum, lol.

MIA-RN1, RN · Jul 18, 2005

I hear all the time on these boards, "Get a study group!" when in nursing school. A few people in my class were trying to set one up but they don't all seem too motivated to get together. I am one of those people that thinks I probably do better by myself if I just PUT THE TIME IN TO STUDYING. Ok, granted, if I slack off and don't put the amount of time into my reading and studying obviously I may not understand so well and need a study group to "pick up the pieces". That said, seems like study groups would only be good for concepts that you are not grasping and need help on, but not for everyday studying/reviewing (assuming you are doing the everyday stuff). I am having visions of the study session quickly digressing into what nail parlor we go to or our most recent dates....which of course, would defeat the purpose.
So...............are study groups really necessary? I would like to hear from both sides...how did the study group help you/hurt you and if you are independent, how do you think that has served you/hurt you?
Thanks!:)

I don't do study groups, it seems that the ones I have seen in my class have been several people dividing up the objectives between them, answering their 'assigned' objectives and then sharing all the answers. That won't work for me because copying another person's answers 1. doesn't help me learn 2. makes me worry if its not right.

That said, it is VERY helpful to discuss things that I don't get or understand with others. And to share ways to remember values etc.

mitchsmom · Jul 18, 2005

I live far away from my school & classmates so I've never done study groups... and actually I never hear anyone talking about them so maybe they aren't popular in our class.

I think the usefullness depends on your style, and who the members of the study group are/how their knowledge level & grade expectations compare to yours.

Sometimes I get bored with studying though and it would be kind of fun to get together to study and quiz each other! :)

Catys_With_Me · Jul 18, 2005

I hear all the time on these boards, "Get a study group!" when in nursing school.

That's funny I hear all the time on these boards, "I hate study groups, I do much better on my own." I'm an on-my-own person too. All study groups I've ever attended quickly deteriorated into a gab fest. My time's too precious and limited right now to waste it on such things.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2005

I didn't have the time for a study group. By the time I read everything, went over my notes and worked my job a study group was not an option.

I graduated with honors going solo. A study group is not necessary.

AussieKylie · Jul 18, 2005

Honestly, I never had to do study groups. I think some people couldnt be bothered initiating it. I would ask so many people and they say Yeh yeh sure. Nothing eventuated. So I have managed to pass subjects for exams. May not be the top marks or anything but all you need is a pass to get your degree. Afterall Nursing is a practical profession not an academic one, unless you go further into nursing research.

Overall, I recommend doing the study groups for newer nursing students. As it will help to gain more insight into subjects.

If I had to do it all over again I think I should have hung out with those that did the study groups :)