Group Study vs. Solo Study – Which Is More Effective?

While studying, this question often arises in the minds of students whether it is more beneficial to study alone or to study together with peers in a group? Some students get more freedom and focus in studying alone, while some get motivation in studies when they study with friends.

In this article, we will understand in detail what are the benefits of studying alone (Solo Study) and studying in a group (Group Study), and which method should be adopted at what time.

Benefits of Studying Alone

1. There is less chance of distraction
   When you study alone, you are able to focus on the subject with full concentration. Sometimes conversation or joke starts in group study, which interrupts studies. But if you are studying by yourself, then both time and attention are completely in your control.Example: If you are preparing for the exam and you have only two days left, then studying with friends at such a time can slow down your pace. Whereas alone you can focus deeply on each topic.
2. You can choose the study environment yourself
   Every student has different study habits. Some like to study in a quiet environment, while some like to study with soft music. The advantage of studying alone is that you can choose the place and environment as per your convenience.Example: Some students sit in their room and study with soft music, while some like to study in deep silence in the corner of the library. When you study alone, no one stops you from your favorite environment.
3. You can decide the study time as per your wish
   Some students like to study at night, while some like to study early in the morning. When you study alone, you can plan your studies according to your body clock.Example: If you feel most active between 11 pm and 2 am, then you can focus on difficult topics at that time. Whereas in group study, it is difficult to match everyone’s timing.

Benefits of Group Study

1. Your own understanding also gets strengthened while explaining it to others
   The best way to understand a topic yourself is to explain it to someone else. When you study in a group and explain a concept to someone, your own understanding also deepens.Example: If a friend asks you “How does photosynthesis happen?” and you are able to explain it without getting stuck, then understand that you know that topic well.
2. Facility to ask questions and get immediate answers
   When you study alone and get stuck in a topic, you have to search it yourself or wait to ask a teacher. But in group study, you can ask your friends immediately.Example: If you are confused about a math problem, a friend in the group can quickly explain you the easy way.
3. Motivation and responsibility increases
   If you feel lazy to study alone or get distracted often, then group study can be a better option for you. When others are studying in the group, you also get motivation.Also, if you are expected to share something in the group, then you prepare more responsibly.

When is it better to study alone?

1. When the group starts talking too much
   If group study turns into jokes, gossip and off-topic talks, then it is no longer beneficial. In such a situation, studying on your own is more beneficial.Note: Study and social time should be separate. Mixing both leads to neither study nor complete relaxation.
2. When meetings are getting cancelled repeatedly
   Sometimes it is difficult to match the time of all the members of the group. If the meeting is getting postponed repeatedly, it leads to a waste of time.It would be better if you start studying on your own so that you do not fall behind while waiting for others.
3. When your level of understanding is different from the group
   If you are starting a topic and the group is already studying at an advanced level, then you may get left behind. Similarly, if you are ahead and the group is still at the beginning, then you may get bored.So it is better that you study on your own first and when your preparation starts matching the group, then join them.

When is studying in a group more effective?

1. When you learn more by listening and speaking
   If you are an Auditory Learner, that is, you remember things quickly by listening and speaking, then group study can be very beneficial for you.Tip: Even if there is no group, you can explain yourself by speaking loudly while studying alone.
2. When the rest of the group members are serious about studies
   If your classmates are focused on studies, focus less on fun and more on understanding the concept, then studying in such a group is really very beneficial.In such a group, you can identify each other’s weaknesses and help each other and the entire energy of the group goes in the right direction.
3. When you get inspiration from others
   There are some students who lose focus as soon as they sit alone. But if there are people studying around them, they also start studying together.In such a situation, group study gives you constant inspiration and your focus remains on studies.

Conclusion: Which method is better for you?

There is no single answer to this question. Every student has a different style of studying. If you like to study in your own way by avoiding distractions, then study in a group. If you like studying by talking and learning from others, then group study is beneficial for you. If you want, you can study by combining both the methods – like first read the topic by yourself and then go to the group and revise it or explain it to others.

Finally, remember one thing – the right way of studying is the one by which you learn better, understand and remember for a long time.