Groups of 3- 6 students get together outside of class to solve a problem that I generate specifically for the group study process. Each member of a group comes to the meeting prepared to present the solution one of the several related problems assigned. By the end of the meeting, the group has heard and learned from each member. They record each members solution, and hand the record to one of the two undergraduate coordinators by the due date. The results have been quite interesting.
Students really enjoy the meetings.
Friendships are formed. Life relaxes a notch. Students get an entirely unique angle on the material that seems to result in real learning. This experiment can be thought of as rediscovery of the power of the recitation, small group discussions of the professor's lecture material, traditionally led by a graduate student. Modern Universities like Colorado State can no longer afford such recitations, but the study groups assignments we have instituted in Z110 can go a quite a way toward addressing the need for peer-based learning.