Study groups?

LCinTraining · Aug 12, 2012

I'm a kinetic learner so the activity of "doing" with a group helps me study. I will say study groups are only as good as the people you are with. I've been in some pathetic groups that do not benefit anyone. I've also been in some fantastic groups. Given I'm speaking of my pre-reqs, because I don't start until next Monday, but if the same people group up, we will do great. We pushed each other, and competed with each other's grades. We all wanted to be able to report the highest test scores to the group. We'd groan for each other on the missing stupid questions and cheer for each other when they got something right they were struggling with, but study time was no nonsense time and we worked hard together. We'd also make sure we took 15 minute breaks every couple hours on study days, but we have our smokers to help us with that haha. The break really helped refocus us when we all started to get grumpy.

I'm not sure how I would have done without the group. They were my chance to get away from the kids and simply focus. However, someone who is a visual learner may just do fine on their own. I'd say, go with your normal routine, take the first test and see how you do. The first test is always a gauge of how well I prepared, and if I needed to improve, I would adjust how I studied then.

Good luck! We got this thing.

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2012

I LOVE my study peeps! I learn best by being able to teach the material to others. Our group is not big, 4-5 people sometimes, but usually just 3 of us. I'm not one to learn just by reading and going over notes, so study groups are very important to me!

lifewithkids · Aug 12, 2012

I've been wondering the same thing. I start in two weeks and I have never enjoyed study groups very much. Granted I've only tried it 2 times in my life but both times I found it was a waste of time for me. Maybe with a great focused group it would be different. However, I am a visual learner. I learn by reading and writing. I don't get anything from auditory it seems. My plan of attack is reserved study rooms at the library for times when the kids will be home and I can't focus and a dedicated "study" in my walk in closet which is behind two doors that close. If I click with people maybe I will reconsider. My BSN school is extremely competitive which means the people in the class will be highly motivated and successful students. Maybe the right people could change my mind about studying with others.

skulskcc01 · Aug 12, 2012

I'm a kinetic learner so the activity of "doing" with a group helps me study. I will say study groups are only as good as the people you are with. I've been in some pathetic groups that do not benefit anyone. I've also been in some fantastic groups. Given I'm speaking of my pre-reqs, because I don't start until next Monday, but if the same people group up, we will do great. We pushed each other, and competed with each other's grades. We all wanted to be able to report the highest test scores to the group. We'd groan for each other on the missing stupid questions and cheer for each other when they got something right they were struggling with, but study time was no nonsense time and we worked hard together. We'd also make sure we took 15 minute breaks every couple hours on study days, but we have our smokers to help us with that haha. The break really helped refocus us when we all started to get grumpy.
I'm not sure how I would have done without the group. They were my chance to get away from the kids and simply focus. However, someone who is a visual learner may just do fine on their own. I'd say, go with your normal routine, take the first test and see how you do. The first test is always a gauge of how well I prepared, and if I needed to improve, I would adjust how I studied then.
Good luck! We got this thing.

I personally don't do well in a study group. They have always turned into a gab session and were not productive. I am in nursing school to become a nurse, not make friends; as harsh as that may seem it works for me. I start my third semester this fall.

Stephalump · Aug 13, 2012

I think their importance really hinges on how you learn and how great the study groups formed are. I'm an auditory learner, so the more I teach things or hear them from others, the better I do.

I don't rely on study groups primarily...I think studying is best done FIRST, and then cemented in the group setting, and it drives me nuts when people come unprepared.

Plus, I enjoy socializing. As long as people are able to stay on track for good chunks of time (no less than 45 minute chunks!) it's all good in my book.

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2012

I think they can be invaluable if you learn well in that environment. I know I retain so much more when I talk things out and go over things in a group. They can help me understand a rationale that makes no sense when I'm just sitting and looking at it. Of course if you don't mesh well with the people, if it turns into a gossip session, or you're just not getting anything from it, it's perfectly okay to study independently. Good luck!