Group revision can help your child learn better and feel less stressed by offering social support and different perspectives. Vygotsky’s social development theory shows how important social interaction is in learning (Vygotsky, 1978). Encouraging your child to join group study sessions can be very beneficial, and most schools run after-school revision sessions that are similar, especially during GCSE preparation. However, not all students may handle group study well, and parents should decide if this method is right for their child.
Tips for Encouraging Group Study
1. Set rules:
Create clear rules to keep group study sessions on track. Set specific goals for each meeting, like covering a particular topic or completing a set of practice questions. Clear objectives help keep everyone focused and productive.
2. Mix study and social time:
Balance study time with breaks for social interaction to stay productive. Short breaks are essential, give mental rest and keep the group energised.
3. Learn from each other:
Encourage your child to learn from their friends’ explanations and problem-solving methods. Group revision lets students see different perspectives and understand concepts in new ways. Discussing topics with peers can deepen their understanding and highlight areas needing more focus.
4. Provide a good study space:
Parents can help by providing a good space and resources for group study. Ensure the study area is comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions. Provide materials like whiteboards, markers, and snacks to support the group’s efforts if possible. Schools can often recommend suitable, safe spaces conducive to study groups. Remember, a study group can also be virtual through Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.
5. Keep each other accountable:
Help your child and their group set up a system to keep each other accountable. Check in on their progress and encourage the parents of the other children to do so too. Regularly encourage them to set personal and group goals. Accountability can keep the group on track and motivated.
6. Use technology smartly:
Encourage the use of digital tools and platforms that help with collaborative learning. Apps and online resources like shared documents, video calls, and educational games can improve group study. Make sure technology is used productively and not as a distraction. We hear a lot of negativity about ChatGPT and students using AI to generate assignments for them. While we do not advocate that, using ChatGPT to generate study questions can be extremely beneficial. Commands like “I’ve just revised GCSE Combined Science, my exam board is EdExcel. Please generate 10 typical GCSE questions that I am likely to be asked on Electrolysis, including an exemplar answer typical of an ‘A Grade student’ from an examiner report.” can make ChatGPT a student’s best friend! Convert these Q&As into Flashcards or a Quizlet deck and use it in your study group.
7. Reflect on sessions:
After each study session, encourage the group to think about what they learned and what they could do better. Reflecting helps reinforce learning and improves study methods. Never leave a revision session without doing some overall blank paper blitz retrieval practice on what they have learned during the session.
8. Promote a positive atmosphere:
Encourage your child to contribute positively to the group and step out of their comfort zone. Emphasise respect, cooperation, and open communication. A supportive and friendly atmosphere can make group study more effective and enjoyable.
9. Take turns leading:
Encourage the group to take turns leading discussions or presenting topics. This approach helps develop leadership skills and ensures everyone participates and engages with the material. By assuming the role of the teacher, other participants are likely to ask probing or offbeat questions. Attempting to field these questions will either reinforce the leader’s knowledge or identify areas of weakness. Both of which are positive!
10. Celebrate achievements:
Recognise and celebrate the group’s successes, no matter how small. Celebrating achievements can boost morale and motivate the group to keep working hard. Acknowledge both individual and group accomplishments to build a sense of teamwork and shared purpose.
Be cautious:
Not all students can handle the discipline needed for effective group study. Some might use group study sessions as an excuse to procrastinate and not get much done. Parents should consider if their child would benefit from group study or if it would be counterproductive. You’ll likely have a good sense if your child can stay focused and participate well in a group setting. Before recommending setting up a study group to your child, speak to some of their class teachers to get a second opinion.
By encouraging group study, parents can help their children improve their learning experience and reduce exam stress. Group study sessions offer a chance for collaborative learning, different perspectives, and social support, making the study process more effective and enjoyable.