Does studying in groups work?
Asked by: Graciela Bashirian PhD | Last update: September 15, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (34 votes)
While studying with a partner or a group may not completely replace independent study, it can be an effective part of a comprehensive study plan. However, if not done well, studying with friends can be more distracting than helpful.
How effective is group study?
It has been proven that those who participate in study groups feel more confident and comfortable about reaching their academic goals. Overall, most professional careers require collaboration with colleagues on projects, so study groups are excellent practice in preparation for the work world.
Is it more effective to study alone or in groups?
The truth is, if you're in a study group you're working at a slower pace than if you chose to study alone. When you're studying alone you get to work at your own specific pace and focus on your own specific needs. That makes the study time dramatically more efficient.
What is the disadvantage of a study group?
Greatest pitfall: All too often, study groups become social gatherings, full of distraction rather than study. All members of the group must be highly motivated to study. Otherwise, distractions will prevail. Also, friction will develop among the members, some of whom will feel burdened by freeloaders.
Do students learn better in groups or individually?
For example, in their meta-analysis examining over 168 studies of undergraduate students, Johnson et al. (2014) determined that students learning in a collaborative situation had greater knowledge acquisition, retention of material, and higher-order problem solving and reasoning abilities than students working alone.
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Do students learn better independently?
Main benefits of independent learning
Boosted student motivation and confidence. Improved student performance. Better understanding of the student's own strengths and weaknesses. Freeing teacher time to concentrate on different tasks and remediation.
Is study group worth it?
Study groups can be an excellent way to strengthen your understanding of course material and build accountability into your week. Study groups are safe spaces where you can ask questions, practice participation, and get to know your classmates in a smaller setting.
Can learning be achieved alone?
Some students work better in the morning while others are at their mental peak at night, and studying alone allows you to maximise this time. As well as having fewer distractions, you may also feel less pressure to grasp concepts quickly in order to keep up with others.
What are the negative effects of collaborative learning?
Meanwhile, the cons of collaborative learning include imbalance task distribution, personal conflict, and distraction causes.
Do humans learn better in groups?
Finally, when students work in groups, they “are exposed to other perspectives and alternatives” and “they share and exchange ideas,” (Tang 1998). This is beneficial because students can recognize the complexity of what they are learning and be involved in the construction of knowledge.
Is joining a study group a good way of?
Thirdly, through their cooperative but also competitive nature, study groups promote critical thinking and creativity as new questions and explanations within discussions and debates. Thus, this interactive environment ensures a much deeper learning of the material that would be missed with self study.
Is studying with friends effective?
Many students find it helpful to study in groups to help them better externalize their thoughts, keep their study sessions stimulating, and maintain accountability. While studying with a partner or a group may not completely replace independent study, it can be an effective part of a comprehensive study plan.
Is it better to study alone or in a group?
Studying in groups can help students retain information by interacting with others and receiving feedback from them. Studying alone can remove the distractions that can accompany group study and it doesn't require coordinating with other's schedules.
Does reading count as studying?
Reading is not studying. Simply reading and re-reading texts or notes is not actively engaging in the material. It is simply re-reading your notes. Only 'doing' the readings for class is not studying.
How long should a group study session be?
An ideal study group should have between three and five members who meet for between one and three hours. Study sessions less than an hour are likely to be rushed. If the study session is too long, productivity tends to drop and members of the group may lose focus.
What are the disadvantages of study groups?
- Distractions Are Inevitable. While some students thrive in a group setting, others may find it tiresome to stay focused when studying in a group. ...
- Lack of Efficiency. ...
- Impersonalized Learning. ...
- Similar Weaknesses.
Can you keep learning as you get older?
But some psychologists' research suggests that continuing to learn new things throughout adulthood may be key to keeping your cognitive skills sharp as you age, and that in fact, middle-aged and older adults may be just as good at learning as younger people.
Does loneliness affect learning?
Loneliness is associated with poor academic outcomes and poor health behaviors that impact learning or turn students away from education.
Is it better to learn by yourself or with others?
Studying with others significantly helps memory retention through the simple act of explaining, discussing, and debating the topics at hand. Repetition and confirming your comprehension are one of the best ways to retain information correctly.
Is it better to have a study buddy?
Having a buddy will certainly motivate you and keep everyone accountable. You're both more likely to achieve success in your studies – two heads are better than one, after all. There are plenty of benefits to pairing up with a study buddy while you're doing a course.
Why do some people prefer to study alone?
Students who opt for studying alone can fully concentrate on the material, without having to worry about being distracted by friends. Studying solo lets you control your environment, minimizing distractions from friends or classmates.
What are the disadvantages of independent learning?
- Not knowing what to learn. If you are new to a subject, then it is often challenging to decide what to begin learning. ...
- Lack of time. ...
- Self-motivation and interest. ...
- Too much choice. ...
- Learning only what they are interested in.
What is scaffolding in learning?
Scaffolding is an instructional practice where a teacher gradually removes guidance and support as students learn and become more competent. Support can be for content, processes, and learning strategies.