Facilitated Study Groups

Information for UTM Faculty and Instructors:

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Information for UTM Students:

Since 2003, the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre has offered Peer Facilitated Study Groups, in collaboration with faculty and students, with the purpose of enhancing the student learning experience at UTM. The first of their kind at the University of Toronto, the Peer Facilitated Study Groups are based on the Supplemental Instruction model developed by the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

Skills Practiced in FSGs

The study groups give students the opportunity to study discipline-related material in an organized, regularly-scheduled format. The study groups practice skills such as:

  • comparing and reviewing study notes
  • discussing and clarifying concepts with peers
  • developing and evaluating study strategies
  • preparing for tests and exams

Peer Facilitators (FSG Leaders)

Each group is kept focused in its study by a Peer Facilitator, a 'model' student. Unlike Teaching Assistants, Peer Facilitators (also known as FSG Leaders) do not re-teach the course material, and do not look at course homework or assignments. The Peer Facilitator’s goal is to help students structure and prioritize their study routine, so they can get the most out of their study material.

Experiential Learning Opportunity for Senior Students as FSG Leaders

Our Peer Facilitated Study Group Program provides senior students with an experiential learning opportunity to gain experience facilitating discipline-related study sessions, as well as developing advanced academic skills within their discipline. The program features many opportunities for professional development and enables facilitators to record the value of their facilitator experience through a portfolio of the study group activities they use to build their resume.

Questions?

For more information on FSGs, please contact us at academicskills.utm@utoronto.ca.