Study Groups or Study Alone ???

caliotter3 · Jan 31, 2017

Wait until you determine who the better students are. Even in nursing school, there are those who are better at academics or who have stronger work ethics. You want to align with those people rather than the kind who want you to do all the work while they take advantage of your efforts. Personally, I never found study groups to be worth the time or trouble. That does not mean you can't form, or join, a very good group. Good luck.

Paola2319 · Jan 31, 2017

Thank You for your response, next week we have our first exams for the semester and everyone (well most not all are forming study groups to prepare for next week but I don't know if I want to do that just yet

luffle · Feb 1, 2017

Study groups are good if you need some motivation to set time aside to study or people to bounce concepts off but it does not replace reading. I recommend joining study groups if you have time for it and if you find yourself not focused when studying alone.

CalArmy · Feb 1, 2017

I found a great small core group that I studied with all thru school. I also did clinical with them. It makes all the difference if you can find a good group to work with.

AceOfHearts<3 · Feb 1, 2017

I commuted into a major city for school and found it harder to participate in most study groups. The first semester I took the time to drive in (45-60 min each way), but I found others benefited more than I did (I did most of the work). I didn't have the time to waste commuting in for study groups later, so I found one friend who lived closer to me and we'd meet up once a week on a Saturday or Sunday morning at a coffee shop for a few hours. We had a couple of other commuter friends we'd study with on campus during breaks, but for the most part I studied solo.

Everyone is different and you might find your study style evolves as you go through the program- it could even vary based on the class.

Edit: I did very well in my program and I would extend the offer to study to other students, but I made it clear I didn't commute in just to study. I told them when and where I would be studying and that they were more than welcome to join me if they needed help and wanted to.

katyq82 · Feb 1, 2017

I am starting my second semester and didn't use a study group last term. I also prefer to study solo, I find that in groups it is too tempting to get off topic and waste time. Its also hard to schedule for me as a working parent. I did find that forming a supportive network with my clinical group was essential, but we used it more to motivate each other and answer specific questions that someone had, either in class or via text. Do what works for you!

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Feb 1, 2017

I'm prefer to study on my own, too. But I went to a group study session last semester and found myself quizzing the rest of my group - essentially teaching them, which (for me) is a great way to learn. It really helped me a lot. There a different roles in study groups, so don't totally write them off until you've given it a shot.

hopefulFNP2017 · Feb 1, 2017

I took human development and microbiology prerequisites for nursing school in recent times.

Both classes, I found that I was dissatisfied with my first exam score, and vowed to do better. I initiated a study strategy and opened it up to my classmates. I invited everyone to submit 20 questions they think might be on the exam, and provide a "teaching" answer for each, as a way to learn and know the material. I told them to think as if everyone in the group missed class and is depending on you to help them pass the exam.

You will find that few individuals will 1) respond 2) be disciplined enough to follow through 3) not flake out on you and 4) follow instructions and provide exactly 20 questions with decent explanations. That was the case with undergrads in human development. I would say when I did that with the classmates in microbiology, who were 2nd degree seekers intent on going to medical school and PA school, etc, # 1, 2, and 3 were given, and about 1-2 really hit the mark with #4. Of course, you need to take the lead and set an example, so I sent them my own as a template. It does take a bit of extra coordination, but in both cases, I was able to perform increasingly high on the exams and it was satisfying for others to report progress as well--people started to want to join our wagon.

All this to say, study groups can work. My advice would be to initiate and lead the effort so you can control who gets to be part of it (I knew exactly who to email back after the first round, and who to drop), set the tone that this is a serious group and keep it virtual if you really want to be productive (only meet in person after everyone has had a chance to study the material otherwise it's not going to work), and be very discerning as your study buddies can become valuable allies in the future. One of the joys of life is finding others who are just as interested and passionate as you in changing the world.

guest52816 · Feb 1, 2017

I mainly studied on my own. Like you, I am better on my own. But on test day, I would go to school early and study with some students who were my core support during nursing school.

It was a small group - 4 people at the most, and we would study together for an hour or two prior to the test. It was helpful.

Good luck!

Ilikeletters · Feb 1, 2017

I can do both but due to my crazy life and not knowing many people in nursing school, I ended up doing it all on my own and with almost all As. Do whatever works for you - I remember all our nursing instructors saying it was critical to have a study group but for me, it wasn't.

life&kneel · Feb 1, 2017

I agree teachback is a great way to learn that is how I learned too! I was a solo person tried the group but did not accomplish much. I say group when you feel you are prepared and able to bounce ideas off of others.