Mentored Study Group Program

(Co-sponsored by the Wesleyan Hughes Program and the Office of the Dean)

The Life Sciences Mentored Study Group Program organizes study groups for students in the introductory courses in biology and chemistry. Each group is assigned a mentor, who is paid by the program.

Courses covered include:

The study groups meet for one hour each week to discuss such things as course material, problem solving strategies, and study and exam-taking strategies. The mentor is there to help facilitate discussions and be a resource when needed. Studies have shown that the learning students do when they try to explain things to their peers, or work together to solve a difficult problem, turns out to be some of the most effective learning they will ever do, in terms of both understanding and retention.

Mentors are drawn from students who did well in the previous year's class. The mentoring experience provides an opportunity for students to solidify their understanding and appreciation of the course subject, and is also a useful experience for students considering careers in education.

Students may join study groups at any time during the semester, and may join up on their own or with a classmate. The only requirements are enrollment in the associated course, and a comittment to the rest of the group to attend regularly. E-mail msgp@wesleyan.edu , telephone Dr. Appel at x3258, or fill out a form from the rack by101 Hall-Atwater to be set up in a group -- have your schedule available, or list in the e-mail some good evening or afternoons for you.