Many or one: Do you study better in a group or on your own?

Rithu Dravid

Studying alone or studying in a group ? Well, it’s a matter of individual choice more so because one size never fits all. Both types of studies have some pros and cons and the options can be based on your comfort. It isn’t that,one option is better than the other — it’s about what suits you. It may be that a group motivates you to study better, or it may be that you cannot study alone ever or just being yourself can be the best method. Though it depends on one’s individual choice, it shouldn’t just be based on the general perception but on the acquired knowledge and experience.

When you lock yourself away in your room, there tends to be less distractions in your own personal study environment with nobody moving around or talking near you. This is the space that individual learners seek for getting most out of studying alone. If a student’s focus on their subjects is enhanced with minimal distractions then that would be the most effective learning style.

For individual learners like Priya it is a matter of not wanting to get easily diverted and she says, “I as an individual have a different speed of learning and retain information, when I am in a group I am unable to concentrate, feel distant and develop an inferiority complex in a group”. The study tactics using flash cards or rereading chapters in such an environment is preferable and a silent cosy room is the best place for such learners.

On the contrary some students feel the need to choose a technique of studying with fun to make it a positive learning experience. Those students who feel uncomfortable asking questions in class may feel more secure asking someone in a smaller group.

Rhea feels more assured that her questions on subjects would be answered by her peers without the need to ask her teacher in class. She says: “The comfort I get in a study group and the freedom to ask questions to clear my doubts is easier and the fun breaks we take is so relaxing and destressing. Many times we sit in groups under trees or private spaces”. With many places that provide good ambience and serene spaces like coffee clubs, green libraries, parks and lawn areas, students gather and learn by observing others’ skills and habits that they can incorporate in their study routine.

Personal studying methods can be focusing and also goal achieving. Surprisingly some individual learners like Ajith says, “My focus is enhanced and goals are achieved but I can sometimes get distracted and end up watching a series on Netflix”. Independent study develops creativity and intellectual curiosity by trying to find solutions by themselves. It is not an easy option but nevertheless one finds the convenience to make it a personal choice.

Studying with a bunch of friends having common interests and preferences can be advantageous. By doing it together views and ideas can be exchanged particularly during exams. “Combined studies is nice when you have things to remember or theories that need to be understood, when everyone is doing it together I end up recalling things better because I hold on to it as a conversation,” says Saachi.

Each group is unique and draws on the backgrounds and abilities of its members to determine the material that will be covered.

Picking the best study method for the situation can help students reach their full potential, while a poorly chosen study technique will kill any real progress, no matter how hard the student tries to study.