What works in study groups and what doesn't?

[Dixon, future NP]

Hello AN!

I start NS on August 24th and want to start a study group. I would like to know the do's and dont's of NS study groups. I would really appreciate some ideas!

Thanks!

[Dixon, future NP]

Has anyone ever tried recording yourself reading? Does that work?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The recording thing does not work for me because I am not an auditory learner and I do not enjoy the sound of my voice. I am a visual learner who grasps things through reading, flash cards, writing notes, and old-fashioned repetition.

I also prefer to study alone. In my personal experience, some participants of study groups do not pull their full weight and prefer to ride on the coattails of everyone else. Other classmates waste time gossiping and not being productive.

[kdbean530]

I was always a solo studier until half way through first semester. First of all be flexible. Not just in your hours, but your study partners. I found that it was not working with my first partner, and got adopted by another. I've never looked back. My new partner is perfect. You have to find someone who goes your own pace, learns the same way you do, and compliments you nicely. Meaning we read the same stuff, write notes, and compare notes. She usually has different stuff written down then me. We combine information and get good grades. Sometimes we study with another person who also adds another dimension. One very KEY POINT, do not study with too many people!!! In my opinion 3 is max. Any more people and you get distracted, and nothing done. Also, we don't study together until everyone has done the reading and finished taking their notes. This is a time where you come to share what you've learned, not teach someone what they should have learned. Keep your study groups on task, study in a comfortable setting, and have fun with it! We like to make weird stories to help us remember things. Plus laughing is very therapeutic in nursing school =)

[Dixon, future NP]

I was always a solo studier until half way through first semester. First of all be flexible. Not just in your hours, but your study partners. I found that it was not working with my first partner, and got adopted by another. I've never looked back. My new partner is perfect. You have to find someone who goes your own pace, learns the same way you do, and compliments you nicely. Meaning we read the same stuff, write notes, and compare notes. She usually has different stuff written down then me. We combine information and get good grades. Sometimes we study with another person who also adds another dimension. One very KEY POINT, do not study with too many people!!! In my opinion 3 is max. Any more people and you get distracted, and nothing done. Also, we don't study together until everyone has done the reading and finished taking their notes. This is a time where you come to share what you've learned, not teach someone what they should have learned. Keep your study groups on task, study in a comfortable setting, and have fun with it! We like to make weird stories to help us remember things. Plus laughing is very therapeutic in nursing school =)

Thank you!

[Dixon, future NP]

The recording thing does not work for me because I am not an auditory learner and I do not enjoy the sound of my voice. I am a visual learner who grasps things through reading, flash cards, writing notes, and old-fashioned repetition.

I also prefer to study alone. In my personal experience, some participants of study groups do not pull their full weight and prefer to ride on the coattails of everyone else. Other classmates waste time gossiping and not being productive.

Thank you!

[ImKosher]

Thanks for the tip kdbean530. I'm going to keep that no more then 3.

I think I will be doing it both ways. Have a study group maybe after class, then study on my own time later that evening.

[Abigail612]

like kdbean530 said keep your groupes small, my study group has only four in it although we have alot of people who want to join in the day befor the test so what we do is get our selves ready befor then so when they join us we are ready to answer their questions; which is good because it kind of helps to quiz us befor the exam ! Also try to study with "nontraditional students" they take their studying way more seriously and they can bring more life experience to the table.