In the summer 2014, I was in a study group for my child development class, and it helped me raise my grade from a C to a B. Firstly, I enjoyed it. We were learning the different stages of growth of a person from birth to death, the theories of Freud, Erikson, and Piaget among others. There were four of us putting our heads together studying, laughing, and socializing, it just made learning fun and not too much of a hassle. Thus, by observing others the repetitiveness of studying for child development became something rather fun and enjoyable.
Secondly, I understood the materials better because we held discussions and would have a test every week. We also had to do four essay questions of fifty words or more, so in the study group we did one question each and shared our answers to equal the four. In so doing, it helped me understand the course better aside from us explaining our questions and homework to each other. I believe by explaining course materials and assignments out loud, and getting the other students’ point of views, I got to learn a lot and this helped me understand the course.
Thirdly, the great learning atmosphere we had helped me focus on the subject , and they helped me remember the course content. One of the most interesting things that we did that I believe helped me was the proactive activities we engaged in, for instance, we could put our notes on the board and then go over them for a couple of hours. Every once in a while we could help each other get through them and in so doing, I internalized the course content and that is how I was able to remember what we studied in class.
We gave each other different tasks which we were to research on and give feedback to the rest of the group members. By putting our heads together, my friends and I made learning easier and enjoyable. Group work helped me improve my academic standing, and it also helped me improve socially through making friends. I believe I learned a lot from it and will sure use group work in the future to help me do my studies.
Work Cited
Uden, Lorna. Technology and Problem- based Learning. London: Idea Group Inc. 2006
