Teaching Tip: The Benefits of OM Student Study Groups

Maybe we should be making a stronger pitch for student-led OM study groups. There’s all sorts of research documenting how students can learn from each other, reports Faculty Focus (May 16, 2018). In one recent study (of 463 students at 38 colleges), students said they opted to study with others because the professor encouraged it and their peers invited them. Their groups handled all the meeting logistics and members decided collectively what they would do during the session.

Here’s what’s impressive: the top 3 study strategies students reported using in these groups were asking each other questions, discussing course materials, and quizzing each other. Those are evidence-based strategies. Asking questions and discussing the content are activities that deepen learning, and testing with questions enhances memory by providing retrieval practice. Each of these has substantial empirical support with regard to benefits for long-term retention, falling into the category of “desirable difficulties.”

And there’s more good news. The data showed that a student’s GPA correlated positively with how frequently study strategies such as making outlines, flashcards, study guides, and short, but frequent, group meetings took place. Students said they chose to study with others in hopes it would improve their understanding of the material. And most of them reported that it did. More than 60% said their level of learning in study groups was somewhat more or a lot more than they learned when studying individually. Almost 70% said that being in a study group increased their motivation to study.

Some tips for your students: (1) use small groups (3-5 max); (2) studying with friends is good, but bringing in outsiders deepens understanding; (3) meet often, but for short periods; (4) expect group members to come prepared; (5) explain things to each other and practice doing problems; (6) don’t just “go over” or reread class notes or text material, and don’t recopy notes.