Study groups and learning together

In short: In study groups learners explain, ask and discuss together. This deepens understanding if the group is small, prepared and structured.

In more detail: Those who explain something to others understand it better themselves (“learning by teaching”).

In detail

• Group size: Three to five people are ideal.
• Rules: Fixed times, goals and distribution of tasks.
• Preparation: Each person prepares a topic in advance.
• Explaining: Take turns explaining content and asking questions (aktives-zuhoeren).
• Quizzing: Test each other, use flashcards (vergessenskurve-und-wiederholen).
• Problems: Distraction, unequal participation, free riders (gruppendynamik-und-konformitaet).
• Online: Video conference and shared notes.
• Supplement: Group work does not replace one’s own learning (konzentration-und-lernumgebung).