When you take time out of your busy schedule to put energy towards a new class or degree, it?s very easy to feel like you?re taking on more than you can handle. It may help you to know that many people in your new classes will feel this way as well.

A simple solution to easing your concerns is forming a study group once a week with some of your fellow classmates. As of now, you may be thinking, ?but I already have plenty to do for this class and so little free time. How will this help?? Don?t panic.

There are many reasons why putting a little extra effort in gathering a few people for some quick study will help. When you participate in study groups, you gain extra skills, knowledge, and a broader understanding of yourself and the world around you. And because of this, you can find concrete ways to make a difference in other areas of your classes and in your life.

What is a study group?
A study group:

• is a small, diverse group of 4 to 12 participants.
• meets regularly to address important topics and issues discussed in class.
• sets its own ground rules for a respectful, productive conversation.
• can be led by an impartial facilitator, who manages the conversation but is not an ?expert? in the traditional sense.
• considers an issue from many points of view.
• offers an opportunity to move from talk to action revolving around class projects and research.

How does a study group help?
Study groups:

• offer a different way of talking and listening.
• expand understanding of a lesson beyond one?s own view.
• help promote critical thinking.
• build relationships and bridges among all kinds of participants.
• connect classroom students to the broader world.
• help classmates solve problems and take part in solutions.

A few more things to remember about study groups
The best study group discussion topics are simple and straightforward and tied to lessons from the class. Try to keep social talk and gossip to a minimum and stay focused. The goal is to move the conversation along, keep it engaging, and help participants examine a class lesson from many points of view. In some cases, study groups with your fellow classmates start with questions, then brainstorming and other group exercises to help shape the lesson.

You should also feel free to bring in articles from other sources that help with framing your lesson in a different way. A related newspaper or magazine story, a website or book can help your study group make connections from the classroom to the world in interesting ways. And when you make more connections, you retain more when you study, which helps you do better in class.

As mentioned before ? don?t let the fear of spending more time focused on a class prevent you from forming a study group. The time you spend will make a difference in your grades and in your life.

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