The Power of KCMPI CMP Study Group

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   By Karen Coyle

Have you ever noticed that when you explain something you've learned in class to a friend or coworker, you begin to understand it better yourself? This happens because when you explain or teach an idea you need to actively think it through. By thinking more deeply about what you've learned and then explaining it to someone else, you begin to understand it better.

The next CMP application deadline of Aug. 20 is quickly approaching. The KCMPI CMP Study Group is a great way to help prepare you for the exam and encourages you to share your wisdom about the business and learn new concepts.

Studying with others in a small group is helpful to everyone because, as in the example above, you:

• Think out loud,
• Share ideas,
• Learn from one another.

As the old saying goes, "Two heads are better than one." While studying alone may work well for things such as memorizing facts, sometimes you will need to understand complicated ideas and concepts. Rather than memorize facts, you'll be required to apply facts to solving problems. Effective study groups involve hashing out lesson materials together-explaining concepts, arguing about them, figuring out why one person's answer differs from another's-and in the process, you learn more than you ever would have studying by yourself.

KCMPI's CMP Study group offers many advantages, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the required reading to help prepare you for the CMP exam. These include the following:

 

• Study group meets bi-weekly,
• Builds relationships and networking among the industry,
• Prepares you with a mock exam,
• Provides test taking tips.

Each person brings different strengths and viewpoints to a study group, such as organizational skills, the ability to stick to a task, a talent for memorization, and so on. I highly recommend the KCMPI CMP Study group. Each leader has high ethical standards that they bring to the table. They, of course can not share which questions will be on the exam, but they can help you prepare as you apply yourself.

Remember, it's more fun to study with others and if you are interested in joining please contact Dan Veglahn, CMP at dveglahn@vaecorp.com and/or Lorie Scott, CMP at lscott@HelmsBriscoe.com.

Happy studying!