Organizing an online study group can be one of the best ways to boost your motivation, share knowledge, and make studying a bit more enjoyable. Tackling challenging topics is a lot easier when students come together with a shared goal. Plus, connecting with classmates online can bring a lot of value in a convenient format to any student—especially college students with packed schedules. If you’re interested in organizing your own online study group, use this step-by-step guide to get the ball rolling.
Decide on your group's purpose and goals
The first step is to clarify the purpose and goals of your study group. Are you meeting for a single subject or a specific assignment, class, or deadline? Will your meetings be long- or short-term, and how often will you meet? Your study sessions will be more productive and members will stay motivated if you discuss and write down objectives for the group.
Some examples of common study group goals include preparing for an upcoming exam, reviewing weekly class material, working on a group project, and sharing tips for managing the workload in a specific course. Setting clear goals from the get-go can help members know what to expect, making it easier to focus during meetings.
Related: 5 Things You Need for Your Next Study Session
Choose the right online platform
Since your study group will meet virtually, choosing a user-friendly online platform that works for everyone is essential. Some popular options include:
- Zoom or Google Meet: Both are great for videoconferencing, screen sharing, and group discussions.
- Microsoft Teams: This software offers extra tools for organizing tasks and sharing files, perfect for longer-term study groups.
- Discord: This popular platform provides text-chat spaces, voice channels, and video-sharing options, which can be helpful for more informal study sessions.
Before you get started, ensure everyone in the group is comfortable with the chosen platform and has access to the necessary technology, like a stable internet connection, webcam, and/or microphone.
Schedule regular meetings
You need to set up a consistent schedule for your online study sessions. Whether weekly, bi-weekly, or more frequently, establishing regular meeting times will help everyone plan and make time for the study group. When scheduling, find a time that accommodates everyone’s schedules. Take advantage of tools like Doodle Poll to find the best meeting time, and use Zoom Scheduler to quickly book Zoom meetings directly from Google Calendar.
Set up another communication channel
Beyond the main meeting platform, a separate communication channel will help your group members stay connected and updated. Consider setting up a group chat through platforms like WhatsApp, GroupMe, or Slack for mobile-friendly communication. If you’re already using Discord to meet, you can keep everything in one place, as it allows for multiple text-based channels for more organized, topic-based discussions and also offers an easy-to-use phone app.
Your group chat can be used to share files, discuss meeting times, send reminders, or ask quick questions between study sessions. It will keep everyone in the loop and encourage active participation.
Related: 5 Simple Ways You Can Make Studying More Fun
Limit the group size
While it's tempting to invite as many people as possible, keep your study group size manageable so it’s easier to stay organized and work effectively. Online study groups work best with three to six members to allow for productive collaboration, according to Weber State University.
Smaller study groups also give everyone a chance to participate, minimize distractions, and keep the sessions focused. Discussions will be easier to manage with fewer people, and it's less likely someone will feel left out or overwhelmed.
Establish everyone’s roles and responsibilities
Assigning roles to the people in your study group can help keep everyone engaged and make each meeting more fruitful. Some roles to consider include:
- Facilitator: This is the person who will keep the conversation on track and guide the group through the agenda.
- Timekeeper: This individual will ensure the group covers everything on the agenda within the allotted time.
- Note-taker: This person will take notes during the meeting and share a summary afterward.
- Resource collector: This person is tasked with finding additional resources—such as articles, study guides, or flashcards—before the meeting to share with the group.
Assigning these tasks can help people feel responsible and involved. Just be sure to rotate these roles each session to give everyone a chance to contribute in different ways.
Share and utilize study tools and productivity resources
One of the biggest benefits of a study group is pooling resources. You can make use of different online tools to enhance productivity and accessibility, such as:
- Google Drive or Dropbox to store and share files, notes, and study guides
- Quizlet to create flashcards and practice tests for group members to study on their own
- Notion to organize notes, provide resources, and create a study dashboard that everyone can access conveniently
Encourage your group members to share useful resources they find and take advantage of these tools to keep everything organized.
Create a shared agenda
A shared agenda gives study groups a road map for each session. Before each meeting, decide on the topics or chapters your group will cover and share this plan with everyone. Having goals gives everyone a framework for the meeting, keeps discussions focused, and ensures the group makes the most of its time together.
Your study group agenda might include a quick review of previous material, assignments, or homework questions; discussions about any challenging topics; or time to share helpful resources you’ve all found since the last meeting. Use tools like Google Docs to create a collaborative agenda where everyone can view it and add their input, ideas, or questions before the meeting.
Related: Video: How to Improve Your Organization and Time Management Skills
Keep your meetings structured
Staying focused during your study sessions is crucial, especially when you’re online and distractions are just a click away. Stick to the agenda and avoid veering off into unrelated topics. Start with a brief check-in overview of what each person wants to accomplish. From there, allocate specific time slots for each agenda item and stick to them.
If a topic sparks a lengthy discussion, suggest setting aside a separate time to delve more into it. Have your timekeeper track the flow of conversation and ensure the group doesn't get stuck on any one topic for too long.
Review and reflect after each study session
At the end of each study session, review what was covered and discuss unresolved questions. This is also an excellent time to reflect on how the study group is going and whether improvements are needed. Consider asking questions like:
- What went well in today's session?
- Were there any challenges or distractions?
- Is there a different format or structure that might help the group?
Embracing open feedback and assessing sessions for improvements ensures everyone feels valued and the group stays productive and positive.
Plan in breaks and social time
Studying for long stretches can lead to burnout, so don't forget to schedule short breaks during your online study sessions. Taking a few minutes to stretch, grab a snack, or just chat about non-study-related topics can help everyone recharge. Consider planning the occasional virtual hangout that doesn’t involve studying as well. This can help the group build stronger connections for a more cohesive atmosphere, especially if you go to school remotely.
Related: Top Tips to Avoid Test Prep Burnout for the SAT and Beyond
Starting an online study group is a fantastic way to collaborate, hold each other accountable, and make studying less isolating. By following these tips, both high school and college students can organize a group that's engaging, productive, and well suited to everyone’s schedule and goals. Remember, the key to a successful study group is clear communication, consistent meetings, and a willingness to help each other.
