Study Groups

Case Study

• Compared to undergraduates, students who participated in group study were more successful in PT program and taking the NPTE.
• Graduates who struggled or did not pass the NPTE often did not study in groups.¹ 

Tips

• People have different preferences and personalities (e.g., introverted vs. extroverted) for the amount, time, and size of group study.
• Avoid time-consuming activities in study groups.
• Avoid large study groups. The size depends on your personality and learning style.
• Smaller is better.
• Consider bringing your meals instead of purchasing or getting take-out (time-consuming and expensive).
• Consider having multiple study groups to vary your learning.
• Consider virtual study groups, e.g., Zoom. If virtual becomes too distracting, consider physical.
• Study groups do not necessarily need to involve active conversation, you can co-study together and ask each other questions when they come up.
• Don’t be afraid to say “no” and study alone if you are too distracted.
• If you do not belong to a study group or decide the one you belong to is not productive, you can easily find one online on social media or join the OT Dude Study Group.

1. Moody Jones, B. A. (2018). A Case Study of the Characteristics for Successful First Time Passing of the National Physical Therapy Exam in the University of New Mexico Doctor of Physical Therapy 2012-2017 Cohorts.[↩]