How to Work Effectively with a Study Buddy

Studying can be nerve wracking. Maybe you've heard yourself say things like:

-"I don't remember seeing this problem before!"

- "I don't know what this means!"

- "I don't know if I'm right or not!"

- "I'm having a lot of trouble focusing."

You'll probably feel a lot less pressured if you've got someone else to work with. When you work with a partner, you have someone to bounce ideas off of, discuss things with, and ask questions. Here's how a study buddy can help:

-If you're working on the same problem, one of you might know the answer and can help the other; if neither of you knows it, you can figure it out together.

-If you're not working on the same thing, your partner can ask you questions to help you focus your studying. He can also quiz you on the material and help you pinpoint your weak areas. And of course, you can do the same for him!

GETTING STARTED

You may not be aware of it, but you already know how to work with a study buddy. Whenever you discuss a film, newspaper or magazine article, or event with a friend, you're "working" with a buddy. If you saw the film or read the article, your friend might ask, "What did you think about it?" maybe adding, "I heard it was . . ." or, "I've been meaning to see it myself." Your friend is helping you remember what you saw, heard, or read by asking you that general question.

As you think back on the film or event to tell your friend, you might think about it a little differently than you did when you saw it. Since your subconscious has had some time to pull it together, you're more apt to have a clearer opinion of it now. Your modified thoughts were triggered by your friend's questions.

If the two of you had experienced the same thing, you would be prompting each other, even if you had very different reactions. The idea of working with a buddy isn't to change someone's mind, but to help that person be more aware of what they're really feeling and thinking.

FINDING A STUDY BUDDY

You probably know at least one person in your class. And most likely you have some classmates' phone numbers in case you miss a class and need to borrow notes or be filled in on what happened. You could ask one of these people to study with you.

But maybe you're not in a class. Maybe you're preparing for a test you have to take on your own, like a civil service or certification exam. Or maybe your schedule doesn't match any of your classmates'. In that case, look to a friend, coworker, or family member who you think would be willing to work with you.