Education is an integral part of everyone’s life. Students are frequently perplexed about how they should approach their studies to gain better comprehension and learning. Well, the most typical path is to study alone. However, many people become easily bored, tired, or confused when studying alone. Thus group study can become the best solution for them. Group study is sometimes characterised as a time-wasting practice. However, it may do wonders when done correctly to increase the learning capacity, gain a new perspective on the topic, etc. Here are several advantages to taking part in a group study.
Group Studies: Are they useful?
Study groups assist students in learning well. A study group is a wonderful way to increase students’ learning ability. Group studies are an excellent tool since they share various ways to learn a particular topic. Students learn more effectively by studying from their peer group members or friends.
An effective group study helps students to enhance their presentation skills. It teaches students how to complete their tasks and school projects efficiently. It aids them in learning new study strategies and effectively prepares them for future examinations. Students may benefit from a strong group by learning courses more tangibly and efficiently. Effective groups generate good energy, impose discipline, and promote active engagement.
Students settle their problems in the study group by asking for one another’s help. During exam time, group studies help students clarify and solidify all topics. Students may obtain a more in-depth understanding of the content and become more enthusiastic. As a result, students believe they are more prepared to perform well on exams. Sharing one-of-a-kind methods with the group reinforces the student’s notion and is an excellent strategy to learn everything faster.
10 Reasons Why Students Should Consider Group Studies
1) Understanding and Assimilation of Content
Students learn faster in group studies than those who study alone. When students study alone, much of their time is spent waffling around the subject, deciding what to study and which things to ignore. However, when studying in a group, one can debate the content with other participants. One has the opportunity to clarify concepts, examine material, discuss thoughts, and disagree/reason with others as to why the answer varies from individual to individual. It results in greater topic identification, better knowledge, and faster learning while also accumulating experience.
2) Reduces Procrastination
When students study in a group, their chances of succumbing to procrastination are quite low. Students must select a time slot for group study and actively participate in the study sessions. Group study avoids students from getting distracted. Being present in a specific place at a specific time motivates the inner-self of students to learn effectively. If a student struggles with procrastination, group study may be the greatest approach for staying in contact and up to date with their studies. A student’s sense of commitment to a group always drives them to prepare themselves better.
3) Reduces Exam Anxiety
Anxiety is relatively common among students of all ages in today’s world. Such anxiety causes nervousness, which is commonly seen in students during examinations. The student’s distress, concern, or fear causes anxiety to grow in their mind. In many circumstances, anxiety significantly impairs the learning process and test-taking skills, thus impacting grades. Being a part of a group study allows students to stay motivated along with their classmates. Many studies have found that group studies boost student performance in exams and classroom discussions.
4) Makes Learning Faster
Studying in a group can often help students learn faster than studying alone. For instance, If a student cannot grasp a topic from the chapter, but his friend does it easily, he can ask the doubt from his friend. He can understand the topic easily rather than spend valuable time pondering the difficulty alone. In this way, students can assist other students who have difficulty grasping a topic. Group study allows students to cover more knowledge in less time than studying alone.
5) Improves Personal/Professional abilities
A study group can benefit everyone, whether students, professionals, or individuals. A study group’s major goal is to encourage and motivate participants to consider creatively and develop good communication skills. It has been found that students who join a study group feel more secure and at ease with their academic aspirations. As a result, study groups serve as ideal practice sessions for achieving the professional goal. Students can improve their capabilities and problem-solving abilities by learning how to study and adjust according to others.
6) Better Understanding of Subject
Reading and learning are two entirely distinct experiences. When students learn alone, they tend to have one point of view on the subject. When students learn in a group, they can comprehend a range of perspectives, which can engage multiple viewpoints, assisting learners in reaching their conclusions. When students observe and ask questions, they will notice various perspectives from other students in the group.
7) Get Teamwork Experience
When planning an interview, an interviewer may ask about their experience working in a team. By participating in group studies, students will gain valuable working experience in a team. Learning in a group will also teach students to get along with others in a team-oriented environment. It teaches students to become focused, patient, and well-rounded team players. All these are the interviewer’s major qualities when evaluating a student in their interview. As a result, it is usually preferred to gain important experience in self-discovery as early as feasible.
8) Erases Boredom of Studying Alone
Students frequently spend a significant amount of time studying alone, which can get tedious. Forming a study group might bring a new dimension to one’s study practice. It also gives a forum for students to discuss subjects that they are struggling with.
Also, the audible aspect of group study, i.e. chatting and listening, can always benefit students who oppose studying alone. In other words, studying in a group can be a combination of pleasure and learning for a student, which can positively improve a student’s CGPA.
9) Designs a Complete Picture
A group study allows students to compare their notes with peer group members. It is particularly beneficial for these students who are not good at writing notes; they can read other students’ notes and correct mistakes in their notes. Students can also do the reverse by assisting those who struggle with taking notes.
Aside from that, comparing notes can be used to assess the correctness of one’s notes. They can correct mistakes and fill in details that they may have overlooked. It is how one can assist or be assisted in connecting the dots in their notes. This technique allows students to learn more in a shorter duration of time than if they studied each topic individually. And group study proves to be the most effective type of practice in this situation.
10) Quickly Resolves Problems
There are times when a student cannot fully comprehend a topic or has an additional question about the topic. When studying alone, one has to wait for a tutor or a school teacher to solve the problem. It can be annoying not to have anybody nearby to resolve doubts or concerns. However, in a group study, one has the companionship of several other groupmates to discuss with and get their questions answered. The procedure is a time-saving and beneficial study strategy.
FAQs about Benefits of Group Studies
How to plan an effective study group?
Here are a few pointers for students to think about before creating an effective study group:
The group should not have more than five members.
Weekly group studies are a must.
Students must decide on a fixed location for group studies and study session hours and pre-decide the subject to be studied for the following week.
Manage the time effectively, practice difficult assignment questions, and discuss any other issues other group members may be experiencing during class.
Don't forget to do a brief wrap-up by summarising all the key points.
Remember, this is not a school class, so have fun between the learning sessions to calm and refresh the minds.
After completing the group studies, spend some time together, go outside for a walk or get involved in physical activities.
Make use of online tools available to everyone to make learning more effective.
How can group study help in boosting the motivation of students?
Students frequently procrastinate their schoolwork because they always feel disinterested in doing it alone. Most of the students struggle to comprehend the concepts taught in the classroom by the teachers. Students need someone who can motivate them to perform better in such a situation. Students in a group can not only push one another to succeed, but they will also have the opportunity to create strong, long-lasting friendships. Solving mock examinations and trial quizzes with friends and peer group members helps significantly raise motivation.
Accountability is also another crucial component that students experience in group studies. Students are more inclined towards studying, which aids in the prevention of procrastination. Thus both motivation and accountability can lead students toward better outcomes.
What are the advantages of group studies for students?
Group studies can assist students in developing abilities related to collaborative endeavours, allowing them to:
Take on more complex challenges than they cannot perform on their own.
Decentralises responsibilities and functions.
Discuss various points of view on a particular topic.
Combine each other's knowledge and skills.
Solve problems faster.
Get friends' support and encouragement to try new things.
Create innovative techniques to resolve a problem.
Create their voice and viewpoints concerning their classmates.
Why are group studies important in finding jobs for students in their future academic careers?
When applying for a job, one of the most commonly asked questions by the interviewer is about the experience working in groups. Thus, by organising and participating in group studies, students will gain ample experience on how to draw an answer to such questions. During an interview and in the workplace if they organise and participate in a regular study group.
Learning how to work well with others in a team-oriented atmosphere can convey to the interviewer that the applicant is a dedicated, flexible, and well-rounded team player. While students who work well alone must be patient, they must recognise that the future of work is extremely collaborative. Students need to gain significant experience identifying their skills and shortcomings as early as feasible.
How can group studies benefit both teachers and students collaboratively?
Teachers can frequently assign more challenging, realistic challenges to students studying in groups rather than as individuals. Because groups can approach tasks and solve issues in innovative and exciting ways, group work provides more variety in teaching. It can energise teachers, thereby creating a more engaging environment between teachers and students. Furthermore, group assignments might be beneficial when just a few projects to share among students. They can also lower the number of final projects teachers need to evaluate.
Along with all these benefits, teachers should design group work activities that fulfil the course's educational objectives and promote students more toward group studies.
Conclusion
Students can achieve success by using various methods; one of the most effective methods students can use to outshine themselves from the crowd is group studying. It helps students to clarify their doubts from friends and peer group members. It makes studying more of a fun-learning approach. But before joining a group study, students must keep in mind that not all groups are the same. Choose a study group that does not spend all of its time socialising and studying effectively.