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BYAMYL JARMON
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Study successfully
with a partner
or group
HE MOVIE THE PAPER
Chase follows the main character through his first year of law
school. His dysfunctional study
group make; onewonder whether
study groups can ever be effective. Many
students avoid study groups because of
T
Each study relationship is unique.
However. successful study relationships
need agreement on the pur'poses of the
relationship, some "rules of the road" to
follow, an understanding of different
learning styles, and conscious decision
making on other aspects.
Why study with a partner or
group? There are multiple ways to bene·
fit from study relationships. Here are a
few you may consider:
1. To discuss and gain greater under·
standing of topics althe end of a series of classes covering those ideas.
2. To swap class notes so that any gaps
can be filled in where points were
missed and greater understanding
can result.
3. To pool knowledge from outside
reading of different supplemental
study aids: hornbooks, commercial
outlines, conunercial tapes, and other
corrunentaries.
bad experiences with group projects in
undergraduate courses: the slacker who
does nothing and gets the same grade,
the control freak who must do the project
his way, the argumentative member who
cannot agree with anyone on anything.
However, studying with others can be
a positive experience and can significant·
ly boost your learning. With a partner or
group, you will be encomaged to explain
your analysis, check your understanding,
and consider viewpoints beyond your
own thinking.
12
1
STUDENT LAWYER 1 November 2007
4. To share successful study techniques
to see if there is a "better" way to com·
plete a study task.
5. To compare outlines for different
methods or formatting and to critique
for information en-ors.
6. To compare graphics and condensations of topics and ubtopics: charts,
diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps,
legal diagrams, and checklists.
7. To create mnemonics to assist in reo
membering legal concepts, steps of
analysis, and categories. Mnemonic
devices include acronyms, peg method,
location method, rhymes, and stories
about terms.
8. To discuss practice questions through·
out the semester to increase under·
standing and application skills.
9. To discuss old final exam questions
from yom law school archives or data·
bases.
10.To brainstorm potential final exam
topics: what has been stressed, what
topics have been on old exams, what
hints have been given in c1as.'i
11.To support one another by being en·
couraging, listening to concerns, and
sharing knowledge.
lNINW.abanet.orgilsd I American Bar Association