Susie Math Tutor

I am huge fan of study groups.

Back in the day, I survived my toughest Electrical Engineering classes by working with a study group. (I'm looking at you Ron Smidt and Les Bailey!!) We commandeered an empty classroom and spent many a late night (and lots of caffeine) to pass those exams! But for a group setting to work, you need to find the right people and use the right methods.

The 3 main types of Group Study methods are:
1) "Think/Pair/Share" where everyone studies alone, then comes together to share what they understand and what they don't understand. https://lifehacker.com/use-think-pair-share-for-effective-group-studying-1850885376

2)"Useful Idiot" where you take turns explaining the concept as though those listening have no experience with the topic. This is also known as the Feynman Method ( https://lifehacker.com/use-the-feynman-method-to-study-1850809398 ) In a good group this will generate good discussion and often much laughter. One advantage to this method is that you can always practice on a friend, family member or even your pet if you don't have access to a group. https://lifehacker.com/get-thyself-a-useful-idiot-and-why-you-should-be-one-f-1847328738

3) "Jigsaw" were each member of the group assumes responsibility for learning a portion of the material and then teaches their topic to the group. https://lifehacker.com/use-the-jigsaw-method-to-study-complex-topics-1850849174

I recommend a space where your group members can take turns working problems on a chalkboard or whiteboard. There is something about the physical act of writing it out in front of others that really helps your memory recall.

Use 'Think, Pair, Share' for Effective Group Studying This teacher-approved method will help you grasp your material.

I always encourage my students to teach someone what they learned during our tutoring sessions. I (halfway) joke and tell them to explain it to the cat or dog if they can't find a study buddy. I really like this article about supporting each other by being a "Useful Idiot". Maybe parents don't need to have the answers, but can be even more effective by just asking questions.

Get Thyself a Useful Idiot (and Why You Should Be One for Others) The act of explaining a complicated subject to someone else is actually a great way to learn.