Group Study: When It Works and When It Doesn’t

Group study can be a powerful way to learn — but only if it's done well. A good study group keeps students accountable, helps them explain tricky topics to each other, and lets them learn through discussion.

However, group study can also be unproductive if it turns into a social hangout or if the group spends more time chatting than working. To make group study effective, agree on a clear plan before you start. Decide which topics you'll cover, set time limits, and make sure everyone comes prepared.

A good tip is to rotate who leads the discussion for each topic — teaching a concept out loud is one of the best ways to check understanding.