Appropriate study group etiquette

As a follow up question to How to start a study group, part II, the same reader writes:

"Is it appropriate to ask my study group questions of my own only, and repeatedly after the first and the next....?" 

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you are working with a study group is what you want out of the study group itself.  Most first generation and low income college students use study groups as a way to get to know other students, discuss their assignments with other students, share input and perspective on assignments, learn course material more in depth, and prevent or deal with academic difficulty.


All of these reasons for being in a study group are partially selfish, but meant to help everyone in the group. Study group member should be sharing information, bouncing ideas off of each other, and otherwise working as a collaborative team.

So, it is definitely appropriate to ask questions when you have them, but also help answer questions when you understand the material. If you are willing to help out whenever someone else in your study group has questions, it should not be a problem that you ask a ton of questions.

Just don't take over study group sessions and make them all about you and your questions. Hijacking all of the study group time for your only your own benefit is inappropriate.

Honestly, from your question, it sounds like you may be trying to get more from your study group than you are willing to give. Remember that it is a study group, so things should run smoothly if you contribute to a positive group dynamic and share in the question asking and answering.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.