Optimize learning in your study group with these strategies  Joining a study group sounds like a logical way to prepare for exams in medical school. You find a group with your peers, show up, study, ace the test. Rinse and repeat. While that seems like a sure bet, that's not quite how it usually works out. To get the most out of them, study groups require forethought and a little bit of strategy.  In this episode, host Ryan Orwig sits down with Dr. Jim Culhane, Assistant Dean for Student Academic Success Programs and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy. Part two of this miniseries discusses the strategies med students can use when setting up a study group for success.  "I think it's really important for people that are joining a study group or forming a study group that they're really honest with themselves and with one another about what their goals and objectives are. Because some people are looking for that emotional support group, some are looking for a social group to join. Some people are just: 'hey, I don't care as long as I can pass this class. That's my primary objective.' And then you've got the gunners; they want the A no matter what. If you all don't have at least one shared reason why you're there, that can really lead to a lot of discord, I think, amongst group members. I like your idea of setting the stage first. That's the way things are gonna be." - Dr. Jim Culhane.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices