Forming Study Groups for Students in EMS School

Forming a study group has its own advantages for students in paramedic and EMT school. It keeps EMS students more focused in their studies, and the discussions in the group keeps the members on track, clarifies misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding the subject at hand.

Here are some useful tips for forming a good working study group.

1. Set an EMS study group size

Having the right number of people in a group is important. A good number for a study group size is about 3 to 5 members. Less than that is too small to benefit from group input and more than that may be too hard to organize or coordinate schedules.

2. Select who joins the study group

Scout members from your class who shows potential. Being abrupt in the selection process may lessen the chances of the study group to be successful. Pick those who participate actively in class, responsible in terms of homework or those who perform fairly in their studies. Having just friends may take discussions off topic to social conversations. Also, choosing those who you can easily work with will make group sessions a more pleasant experience.

3. Pick out a schedule that works for everyone

Since EMS students have a lot in their hands, group members should compromise and set up a study schedule where all members will be able to attend. Setting a schedule and making all members committed to that will have better chances for them to follow through.

4. Set a study plan for EMS topics

Study sessions are for studying only. Planning an itinerary will keep discussions from straying from the topic. Pick one topic from the syllabus per session and stick to that topic. When other questions arise, keep notes and set up a follow-up session. If it is a group assignment, make sure that everyone will have something to contribute and responsibilities are equally divided.

5. Choose a leader

The leader of the study group is given the responsibility of making sure that all sessions go smoothly. In case of conflict or tension within the group, the leader should serve as an arbiter and resolve it.

6. Don’t give up

In case the group you formed is unsuccessful, you should keep on trying. Being comfortable in a group can take time. Keep in mind that the main purpose of forming a study group is to learn, understand and to help each other through the course.

I’ve published hundreds of other audio, video and pdf file downloads for EMS students at the MedicCast Extra. Check it out at MedicCastExtra.com.

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