Study groups can triple retention — or be a total waste of time. Structure is the difference.
Size
3-5 people. More = social event. Less = not enough perspectives.
Structure
15 min: each person summarizes their understanding of one topic. 20 min: quiz each other (use practice test maker). 15 min: tackle difficult problems together. 10 min: review and assign next session's prep.
Rules
Everyone prepares before the meeting. Phones away. Rotate facilitator role. If someone consistently comes unprepared, address it or remove them. The group is only as strong as its weakest member's preparation.