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For most of the time study is somewhat of a solo journey. Try something different and mix it up by forming a study group.
Keep it small
Think 3, 4 or 5 people. An even number means you can pair off if needed.
A small number means you can take turns and run the group, building up your confidence through collaboration and leading. These are also useful skills for when you’ve left school too.
Ensure that the people in your study group are going to be supportive of the intention of the group and ones that you work well with.
Make a plan
Don’t just rock up (or Zoom in) and then sort it out when you get together, make an agenda!
For example, before you meet up, each study group member submits one or 2 goals they’d like to meet by the end of the session. If the goals range across many subjects you can decide to hold them over for the next study session. Try focussing on one of two subjects only per session.
For each subject pull out old exam papers. Pick a section (that supports current syllabus) and everyone does it under timed conditions, say a 20-25 minute chunk.
Mark each other’s work using the associated Marking Guidelines (or go through the answers together). https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/resources/hsc-exam-papers
Break the session into, say, 4 x 25 minute sections with a 5 or 10 minute break in between. Take a “brain breaks” to help you have sustained attention and concentration when you restart.
Vary the type of break depending on what the group needs, e.g., food break, brain activity break, down time, having a chat, etc.
Send the agenda out with a timetable before you get together in person or online, so you can get the ball rolling quicker.
Care to share
One great way to learn something is to teach it to someone else, or together you fill in the gaps. Play to your strengths. If you are winning in a subject or module then take the lead. If your mate is strong in another subject then learn from them.
Trade knowledge. Also, telling others about what you understand improves your own recall, and you’ll be more confident explaining it to your key audience: the exam marker.
Take turns to lead a topic for discussion that you care to share. If online, you could share your screen. The leader can help keep the topic going, avoid distractions and push for an outcome, such as meeting one of the study goals.If online, you could share your screen.
Keep some simple rules like leave your ego at the door, everyone is valued and then are no bad questions.
Make notes and share resources
Put your subject notes and information in a shared online folder, like Google Drive. Ask questions, give examples, or provide sample answers in dot points. Whichever way you use it, keep it active.
Avoid just reading over your notes. Make new notes to reinforce what you have learned. Find that favourite black pen and build up your handwriting muscle memory. The exams are written and you’ll want to get into that writing flow.
Don't waste time
Make sure you start on time, and don't spent too much time recapping things that you all already know. At the end of the study session, go around the group and say one lesson you've learnt, even if it's a new way to studying. If you can't think of anything, you might not have found much value and it's time to reflect on why.
Change locations regularly
Group study gives you the opportunity to switch up your study conditions, whether you're hosting guests, going to your mate's house or studying at the library. This removes familiar distractions. After all, you won't be sitting the HSC at home, so why not change things up?
Source: https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing
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