The Shorthorn - Group study sessions prove helpful during finals

Group study sessions prove helpful during finals

Written by Anna Katzkova

Tuesday, 25 November 2008 08:47 PM

find a buddy

Students may sign up for the Study Buddy program on the NexT Web site at http://utarlingtonnext.googlepages.com.

As finals approach, some students might benefit from study groups, and the campus has many to offer.

Priya Lad, civil and environmental engineering junior, became a peer counselor for a Freshmen Interest Group after participating in the program and its study groups.

“Even if you are not having trouble, it’s a good thing to go to because you could help those students who don’t understand the material as well as you do,” she said.

She said that studying with a group gives her an open forum to share ideas.

“For example, when writing papers, it’s always nice to get another person’s input or perspective on the topic,” she said. “It sort of jump-starts your own writing and helps avoid writer’s block.”

Another FIG peer counselor, nursing sophomore Ricky Fernandez, said that students can gain knowledge and have fun in study groups.

“Not only are you working with others, but you are also sharing common goals, receiving feedback and also creating friendships with other people,” he said.

FIG and other organizations create study groups for their members. Jenny Blankenship, Not Exactly Traditional Students (NexT) public relations officer, said she started the NexT Study Buddies program with Shuraih Latifi, electrical engineering graduate and former NexT president.

Blankenship said they recognized that students have self-discipline issues and cram at the last minute. She said study groups can help overcome those problems, reduce stress and improve grades.

“A graduate student might be seated with undergraduate students, and each could be studying completely different subjects,” she said. “They benefit by actually doing their homework on a consistent basis by linking up with other students, focusing on the same goals by meeting students who may have already taken a course they’re studying.”

Latifi said that when he started grad school, he felt like a freshman with a lot more to do and had a hard time concentrating, so the program really helped him.

“It’s just like workout buddies at the gym,” he said. “Only difference is you’re working out your homework together. Doesn’t matter who you are, the goals are all the same.”

Some opportunities to join study groups come from organization participation, but students can also initiate groups.

Biology junior Brittanie Pipkins said meeting classmates and forming a four- or five-person group can help keep people focused.

“Get to know people in your class and set up a schedule that works best for everyone and build a study group,” she said. “I would gather with those who are focused and regularly attend lecture.”
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