Do you know some people from your institution who are also studying for certification exams? Ask them to join in a Virtual Study Group. Students often tell me that they cannot form a study group because their friends work different shifts or live in different directions. One way to resolve the dilemma is to join a Virtual Study Group.
The benefits of a Virtual Study Group are that time and geography can be overcome by using the internet. Studying with others can improve your test-taking skills and increase your retention of essential concepts. You can capitalize on the knowledge and skills of your peers while sharing yours to develop a community of sharing. In some cases, you and your friends can be connected to an expert mentor to provide guidance when questions arise.
There are a variety of free resources you can use to study. You can meet with your virtual study group using our weekly Twitter chat, a Facebook group of your own, or one of many online study group software systems like StudyGate.com. Decide on a moderator and an agenda. If you would rather not be the moderator, then it might be better to look for an established study group. Starting with a plan will help the group stay focused on digging deeper into the subject.
Stay positive. Sometimes a cynical member of the group complains about a problem that everyone understands. Although it could be easy to go down that rabbit hole, avoid the temptation and refer back to the agenda. Virtual study time is precious; don’t let others turn it into watercooler talk. Keep positive with the certification exam too. You have the best chance of passing when you positive about your prospects. If you use a moderator and agenda and stay positive, you will find the online study group experience to be helpful. If you would like to join our Twitter study group, look for #certificationcoach.
