Choose only motivated and dependable classmates to be members of a study group. This can be determined by talking to and getting to know them before and/or after class.
Keep the group size small (3-5 people) to keep it manageable.
Create a contact list and make sure each group member has it.
Plan your study sessions in advance and create a schedule. Decide when, where, how often and how long you will meet.
Set realistic goals and create an agenda for the group meetings.
Choose a group leader to help keep the group on task. It can be the same person each meeting or you can rotate through the group.
Make sure all group members feel they can contribute to the discussions and are actively listening to each other
Use constructive criticism and encourage group members to reveal the areas they feel weak in so that they can strengthen them.
Benefits
Group members can be a great source of encouragement, help to boost motivation and make the process less boring.
As group members become interdependent on each other, it will increase their commitment to studying.
It can be easier to ask questions in a small group of peers than in the classroom.
People do not always understand the same concepts and are able to explain things in a different way to help others gain understanding.
People have different study habits and ways of remembering concepts that may aid one another.
Teaching concepts to others is a good way to reinforce one's own mastery of the information.
Allows for the comparing of notes to fill in gaps and clarify information that was presented in class.
Pitfalls
People can become distracted from the goal and use the time to socialize instead of studying.
It can become a complaint forum instead of a study session.
One or two members may dominate the discussion while others do not pull their fair share.
