Most of those who enroll in traditional undergraduate education programs agree. Study groups are essential for content comprehension, motivation and overall success. Often, lectures and notes aren’t sufficient in preparing students for exams or, more importantly, ensuring retention of the course material.
Generally, study groups pull participants directly from others taking the course, making identifying and recruiting easy. But, what happens when you need to prepare for an exam outside of a traditional educational institution. How do you find others in the same boat as you, and is it worth the effort to seek them out?
At The Tuffest Stuff, we are a big supporter of CT study groups. Those who are able to share knowledge as well as exchange ideas and questions often excel later on the CT Registry Exam. Additionally, the confidence and professionalism gained often aids RTs in their professional lives as well. Below are just a few of the benefits of joining a CT study group.
Accountability Factor in Study Groups
Unless you have already signed up for an exam date, it’s common for those preparing to lack a plan. This often leads to procrastination and not establishing a firm course of action for studying. One great aspect of a study group is that it encourages you to commit to a study plan. This is especially true when group members commit to the same plan. Rather than folks getting left behind, members motivate each other to keep up with their studies to make sessions and discussions more productive and exciting.
Group Collaboration in Study Efforts
As most of those studying for their CT credential are doing so on their own, a study group brings in the opportunity for collaboration otherwise missing. While factual information won’t change, a group setting brings together different viewpoints and ways of processing that information. Not to mention, explaining concepts and working through problems together boosts those communication skills which are essential in the workplace.
The ability to ask questions and receive immediate feedback is also a huge benefit. Study groups offer a combined knowledge base from which to pull. Rather than having to seek out answers in a textbook or online, one can simply pose a question to the group and likely get a variety of responses from those who’ve already mastered a topic. Additionally, the small size of most groups is great for those who are reluctant to pose questions in a larger setting, such as a lecture hall.
Benefits of Teaching Others on Comprehension
Often overlooked is the importance of teaching others while learning. In a concept dubbed The Protégé Effect, it has been discovered throughout the years that those who teach subject matter to others actually boost their own learning and comprehension of the same material. These reasoning behind this is a bit complicated, but basically it is a combination of the following:
- Teaching requires you to not only explain a concept, but also relate it to something that your “students” already know and understand. This forces you to find parallels that you hadn’t considered, deepening your own comprehension.
- Areas of study such as computed tomography are best learned through active learning. When teaching others, you must present the information in a way to encourage this. Taking something you have learned in a book or during a lecture and presenting it in another way helps aid in retention
- Knowing others are looking to you for an answer or explanation is an excellent motivator. It encourages you to really master the topic before relaying what you know to others.
- Critical thinking skills are honed when teaching. This makes it easier to be concise and straight-forward in explanations.
Finding Online CT Study Groups
Obviously, the current global climate has moved most study groups to an online environment. When looking to join a virtual study group, there are a few key places to start. Social media sites such as Reddit and Facebook are often homes to these virtual groups. It may require a request to join, but generally groups welcome newcomers with enthusiasm. Also, certain exam preparation courses may offer a study group to those who have purchased their program.
At The Tuffest Stuff, we want everyone to succeed in passing the ARRT CT Registry Exam. Whether you enroll in our program or not, we welcome you to join The Tuffest Stuff Study Group. We work to provide a collaborative and informative environment in which to connect with other future test takers. Pose questions, review practice exams, AND receive support from our course creator and author, Mike Enriquez. Our alums have a proven track record of success on the CT Registry Exam, with over 94% passing on the first attempt! We welcome you to join in on the success and look forward to helping you grab that CT credential and further your career.
