Study Groups 101

Learn how to form effective study groups with fellow K-Staters for the courses you're taking. We will help you get from setting up the group to having a productive session.

Forming a Study Group

Forming a study group can seem like a scary and daunting task but it does not have to feel that way. If you are think "wouldn't it be nice if there was a study group for this class?", we bet there are at least two other students have the same thought! Being the first-person to speak up takes just a little courage and once you've done it, you don't have to do it again. Here are some strategies on that first ask:

      • Start with one person: Who in class do you know or sit next to frequently? Start small by asking one person and grow from there.
      • Post on Canvas: Many instructors allow students to post openly on a discussion board or send a message to fellow students. Go ahead and ask
      • Create a flyer: Though it may seem silly, create a flyer on Canva and print some out to handout to your classmates -- include your name and cellphone number or email.
      • Ask a simple question: "I'm going to Hale after class today. Want to go with to study for the upcoming exam?" or something similar.
      • Opt-in to Study Buddies: Study Buddies is a Navigate tool that helps find students in your class sections who are interested in studying together outside of class. Classmates must opt-in to the tool so ask your instructor to make an announcement in class encouraging others to opt-in.

Hosting a Study Session

Once your group is formed, you want to make sure you have a plan in place so that your study group is effective and a good use of time. This doesn't mean you need to make an agenda and follow a ridged structor, it just means you have some expectations and goals. Here is our guide on an effective study session:

      • Choose a good location: Based on the size of group, choose a good location that will work for you! Hale Library, the Student Union, or a common space in a residence hall are great examples.
      • Pick a time that works: Trying to study at 10 PM at night might sound like a good idea but no one studies well at 10 PM. When during the day would be a better, more productive time?
      • Set a goal: Decide as a group what you want to accomplish during your study cycle -- this could be a certain topic, completing a study guide, going over a specific chapter.
      • Pick a method: How will you go about studying together? Do you have "expects" in the group who each cover a specific thing, will you jigsaw out content to understand then shareout, or do you all work on the same problem and compare solutions?
      • Assess how it went: At the end of the study session, ask yourself and the group how it went. Did you walk away feeling more confident in the content? Did you stay engaged in studying? Was the method effective?
Study with a Tutor!
Bring your study group to a tutoring session! Our tutor can partner with your group to understand the content. Stop by the Tutor Help Desk on the 2nd floor of Hale to schedule an appointment or check out the drop-in schedule and pop in during a time that works.