Category: Collaborating with Peers

To run an effective study group you should establish the logistics of your meetings and practical strategies for learning the material as a group. For Specific Peer Group Study Techniques, Consult These Resources: Peer-led Team Learning at City College of New York Collaborative Learning Structures

You must establish ground rules that create an environment of trust and respect so that all members feel their contributions are valued. When such an environment exists, members are more willing to take risks, to think more creatively, and be more open, which leads to a deeper, richer discussion. Expect members to be prepared. All…

Choose the participants wisely. Look for students who do well in the course or show an interest in learning; students who ask questions and respond to the instructor’s questions; students who take notes in class; and students who attend the course regularly. Be careful about studying with friends with whom you mostly socialize and who…

Understand material in a deeper way. In most classes at U-M, students are expected to apply their knowledge to new situations or problems rather than simply memorize facts. When students work in groups, they have the opportunity to explain concepts, discuss ideas, disagree with one another and reason through why one person’s answer is different…