Study Pods

The Learning Center is excited to offer new support for students taking summer classes.  Study Pods are study groups for a specific class facilitated by a Learning Center tutor. The groups meet twice a week for one hour, in person at the Student Success Center.  Students interested in joining a Study Pod should be prepared to attend all group meetings over the duration of the summer semester.

What is a Study Pod?

Study Pods are casual, biweekly, scheduled sessions for students enrolled in specific courses. These groups provide an opportunity to connect with other students in your class who are also motivated to study consistently each week.  The meetings are designed to engage all group members, and are not meant to be tutoring or review sessions led solely by the group facilitator. Leaders use facilitation techniques, encouraging and supporting members to teach and learn from each other. Study Pods are voluntary, but members are required to attend regularly and participate actively.  They provide a space to:

  • Ask questions
  • Review challenging concepts
  • Analyze and practice applying course material
  • Discuss study skills and strategies
  • Receive support from trained student leaders

Who Can Attend?

Any Mizzou student enrolled in a course that has an associated Study Pod is welcome to attend these FREE sessions, which take place in the Student Success Center.

Why Should I Join?

Study Pods offer numerous benefits, including:

  • Forming connections with fellow students and developing a support system
  • Learning new study habits
  • Increased motivation and accountability
  • Learning successful approaches to learning the material and performing on tests from group leaders who have already completed the class

What Won’t a Study Pod Offer?

  • Help with graded assignments: Leaders cannot assist with graded work. They can show you the process using a similar problem.
  • All the answers: The focus is on developing skills for finding answers independently.
  • A replacement for class: Study groups are a supplement, not a substitute for attending class.

Study Pod Leaders

Study Pod leaders are high-achieving students who have excelled in the course they lead.  They are trained to facilitate collaborative learning and provide guidance, and to address both course content questions and questions about effective study habits so that students can prepare for their coursework and exams in a friendly, low-stress environment.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Study Pod

  • Go to class: Your Study Pod leaders are not course instructors and are present only to facilitate a study session, not replace what you missed.
  • Come prepared: Read the material, do your homework, and bring specific questions.  Bring your syllabus, notes, books, assignments, and questions with you to each session.
  • Be respectful of the tutor’s time: Arrive on time and be prepared to learn. Contact your group leader if you can’t be at the session.  Don’t make the tutor wait.  Consistent attendance is required.
  • Ask questions: Study Pod leaders are there to help!
  • Become self-reliant: Strive for independence – don’t depend on your Pod leader too much.
  • Don’t give up! Your professors, TAs and group leaders want you to succeed.

Courses Offered

The groups are being offered for the following classes, depending on interest: 

  • SPAN 1100
  • SPAN 1200
  • SPAN 2100
  • CHEM 1400
  • CHEM 1410
  • MATH 1100 
  • MATH 1160
  • PHIL 1000
  • PHIL 1100
  • PHIL 1200

Additional Support

If your class doesn’t have a Study Pod, consider these alternatives:

  • Check out NetTutor to meet with a virtual tutor or to drop off questions.
  • Make an appointment with an Academic Coach
  • Start your own study group; find more information here under Study Groups

More Information

Study Pods meet twice weekly, in person, for 60 minutes each session.  Leaders will begin hosting their sessions in the first week of the semester and wrap up during the last week of classes.  Registration for summer Study Pods begins on Friday, January 3rd for all Mizzou students. 

How do I sign up for a Study Group?

If you are interested in joining a summer Study Pod, please fill out this interest form. You will be contacted at the end of the spring semester.

Updated 12/17/2024