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?
My study group pretty much consisted of our 12 person clinical group. We would divvy up the test map as soon as we got it and then email the review to each other. This worked really well for me as I had already done the reading and my own outlines so the others' reviews would be reinforcers.
The key to a great study group, IMHO is the dedication of the students. Everyone has to stay focused on the goals of the group and limit chatting to breaks! That is the hard part but it can be done. Look for dedicated, focused fellow students. It has made a difference in the study group.
I am a pretty disciplined person who studies ALOT. But there are times when my mind just drifts in and out and I don't get anything accomplished--that is when study groups can be helpful. At the start of the semester I joined a study group which I quickly broke away from. 2 1/2 of the 3 hours together were spent discussing everything that had nothing to do with nursing. Towards final time I joined a different study group. These girls had it together!! I went 2x and it really helped. We all had our own index cards and questioned each other. We also all brought little finger foods to help break it up a bit. We all aced our finals!!
You should try it once and see how it goes. For some it's the only way. Some say no need. It all depends on who is in your group too. Make sure they are serious students otherwise it may only serve to bring you down. Even if you seem to know more than the people in your group, thats ok too. You can still benefit from explaining a concept to them. In order to explain it, you have to understand it fully; and while you are explaining you are repeating it out loud, which helps the mind store the information into your long term memory.
I would try for yourself and see the difference between going at the info alone, or with a group.
I personally do both, but it depends on with whom, and how much studying/clarity I have on the information at that point.
One last thing, others may have a small piece of info you missed, or misunderstood but you weren't aware of. SO as you can see you just need to see what works best for you.
This is an old post, but it helped me a lot. I am in my 2nd semester of NS and I do feel pressure to be part of a study group. I have 1 good friend that I study with and it is very helpful, but then she goes off to study with a group and I stay home. I just don't find groups useful, but I feel conflicted b/c I don't want to be left out - that's my insecurity talking.
My husband says to stay focused on my goal of graduating and not whether or not like I am liked by the group. But I feel that if I don't join a group once in a while, then I will be forgotten.
I have never had a bad study group experience. Grant it, our study groups start with bs'ing, then shift into high gear and its all business. Before a exam we come together and the bs'ing takes a very very way back seat.
We mainly dissect the chapter and when anyone is stuck we brainstorm to find ways to help make the issue 'stick.'
Also, some of us actually learn better by "instructing" the group, doing a Q&A, doing mock exams, or delving into a topic more indepth.
For us, it helps. Also its a way to vent about a teacher, nurse, etc. for a few minutes, then we collective breath and get back on track.
oh, and our group is only 5 people.
So, for me, study groups help. They force me to me to be on point.
I am just a little frustrated right now. I do fine studying on my own, but I "think" I need to study with a group. I get 86-90% on my exams, but I feel the pressure to be part of the group.
Plus, the main reason I want to be in the group is to be liked - which is completely insane and insecure. No rationale to that one.
I've never been in a study group. So far, I have a 4.0 in nursing school. I learn best studying on my own.
On two occasions, I have gotten together with classmates on the verge of failing out. That was not a study group to me, but my effort to try and help pull someone through. Although, I did say to the student, "Why don't we 'study' together?" It didn't work either time. Both failed out.
When I get together with classmates, I want it to be for pure fun. Once in a while, a couple of us go to see a movie or see a classmate's band perform.
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
One reason of working with a group is that repeating what you've learned helps cement the information into your brain. It's part of that "Watch one. Do one. Teach one." mentality. It does work well for the older brain.
uugggg, study groups!! For me it was not the answer. Our school really encouraged them and so I finally gave in and decided to try. The others brought their children to the library. Done.
In my last semester I felt I needed to change some things up as I was not doing well and a friend of mine offer to study with me. That went very well. Just the two of us with the same goals. We would study independently and call eachother if something was not understood. Then, we would get together 1 or 2 times before the test and go over everything and work out any kinks. It worked very well for us.
nfsaldal
52 Posts
My study group pretty much consisted of our 12 person clinical group. We would divvy up the test map as soon as we got it and then email the review to each other. This worked really well for me as I had already done the reading and my own outlines so the others' reviews would be reinforcers.