Alternatively, everybody can be responsible for his or her own notes,
but the group could act as an ad hoc discussion group, refining under-
standing of key points, working on problems together, questioning
each other, practicing for tests, and so forth.
Even if you find only one or two other students willing to work with
you, such cooperation will be invaluable, especially in preparing for
major exams.
Tips for Forming Your Own Study Group
■ I suggest four students minimum, probably six maximum.
You want to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate as
much as he or she wants while maximizing the collective
knowledge and wisdom of the group.
■ While group members needn’t be best friends, they shouldn’t
be overtly hostile to one another, either. Seek diversity of
experience and demand common dedication.
■ Try to select students who are at least as smart, committed,
and serious as you. That will encourage you to keep up and
challenge you a bit. Avoid a group in which you’re the “star”—
at least until you flicker out during the first exam.
■ Avoid inviting members who are inherently unequal into the
group—boyfriend/girlfriend combinations, in which one or the
other may be inhibited by their amore’s presence; situations
where one student works for another; situations where under-
classmen and upperclassmen may stifle one another—you get
the idea.
■ Decide early on if you’re forming a study group or a social group.
If it’s the latter, don’t pretend it’s the former. If the former, don’t
just invite your friends and informally sit around discussing
your teachers for an hour each week.Chapter 2 ■ How to Organize Your Studying 33