Study preparations generally define your success in the classroom. If your study habits are lacking, you are most likely having problems in that class. Individuals process information differently and this ultimately affects how they study materials. Some prefer to hear information, others need to read the information and some do well with demonstration. By forming a study group you are grouping individuals together with different strengths and weaknesses. This is a proven method that collaborative learning works well for truly understanding a subject versus memorizing material.
When forming the study group, it should consist of no more than three to six people. There is less confusion this way. It is always a good idea to diversify individuals and not just include friends. You want a productive, structured study group in order to accomplish study goals. Diversity also brings new ideas to the table along with different study habits that could help you with learning material.
Establish regular study times along with places to study. The place of study should be quiet and free from distraction. You should also appoint a moderator for those times when ideas jump off topic. If no one steps up to be a moderator then alternate each person to be moderator so that no one person is stuck with that label all the time.
Establish a set a base rules when starting your group. This lets everyone know in advance that if their weight is not being pulled they will be asked to leave the group. It is important for everyone to show up at every study group and actively participate. Get phone numbers for everyone in the group so that you may contact each other if the need arises.