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STUDY

BUDDY

You can work with a buddy whether you are both studying the same thing or not. Your buddy can be a friend, family member, or classmate. By making yourself understood, listening carefully, and working with both your learning style and that of your partner, you’ll get more out of studying. And you’ll have more fun, too!

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tudying 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

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Jack: “What a waste of time. I don’t know why the sociology

instructor showed us that movie. Nothing much happened in it.”

Jill: “I disagree. I was really impressed by the way the people of the

village stuck together and the way they treated their children.”

Jack: “That’s true. I was surprised. You’d think those kids would

be spoiled by all that affection, but it was just the opposite. They really cared about each other. I guess that’s why the instructor showed it. But it was still too long.”

Jill: “I didn’t understand the part about the government workers

coming to the village. Why couldn’t they just leave the villagers alone?”

Jack: “I kind of liked that part; there was more action, with the

trucks coming in and the villagers protesting. I guess it had some- thing to do with the government trying to change the economy, trying to help the villagers get regular jobs instead of digging for roots.”

Jill: “I hadn’t thought about that. That makes sense.”

What happened here? Both Jack and Jill saw the film a little differently after reflecting and discussing. Jack began to make more sense of the human issues in the film and Jill began to make more sense of the political ones. By working together, they made sense of something that was puzzling at first. They figured out 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.

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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.

Finding the Right Study Buddy

Whomever you choose, you want to work with someone who: • You’re comfortable with

• Is responsible: who will keep study appointments, who takes learning seriously—and takes you seriously

Friend or Not?

You may think that your best friend or closest family member will be your best study buddy, and that can be true some of the time. For instance, if you’re terribly intimidated by the material you’re studying and your best friend or younger sister is the kind of person who gives you the con- fidence you need to do well, this person may indeed be the best study buddy you could possibly have.

But there are drawbacks to working with someone you know well. You might be tempted to spend your study sessions talking about things other than the topic at hand; you might not get much studying done! If you study with someone you barely know, you have less to talk about and are more likely to stay focused on the study material. Whoever you decide to work with, make sure you use study sessions for their purpose: to learn the material, prepare for a test, or complete an assignment.

Using Learning Styles

When you’re working on a project, which is easier for you? Starting it, developing it after it’s started, or bringing it to a close and finishing it up? What’s more comfortable for you may be connected with your learning style. Those who learn best by doing often find starting comes easily to them. People who like to use images are often adept at “keeping the ball rolling”—developing ideas after a project’s begun. Sequential learners are often naturals for developing and completing a project on time.

It’s not a bad idea, then, to try to find a study buddy whose learning style is different from your own. If you’re good at starting projects but lose steam once things are underway, wouldn’t it be nice to have a study buddy who will help you keep it going and get it done by the deadline?

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It’s important for you and your study buddy to meet fairly regularly. Try an hour a week to start. Decide together what days of the week and times are best for you both.

quiet coffee shop nearby? You want a place that’s free of distraction and convenient for both of you.