When it comes to studying, some students prefer combined learning sessions, whereas others like to lock themselves up in their room and cram on their own. A commonly thrown around question in this regard is whether study groups are actually effective. To be honest, they may or may not be successful. It mostly depends on the sincerity of the individual and his or her degree of comfort in such a setting.

The past decade or so has seen an active debate surrounding the premise that study groups are more effective than individual study routines. In fact, several research studies have been carried out and the results seem to substantiate the claim that study groups offer better learning opportunities.

While this might be true for some or even most students, study groups may or may not work for everyone. There are many elements that need to be analyzed by a student before he can decide what is better for him.

The advantages:

To start with, study groups are accompanied by numerous advantages. One of the greatest benefits of studying in a group is that it leads to active learning. As students engage with each other, there is an exchange of many refreshing and new ideas. This in turn creates a feedback loop, whereby the concepts and ideas are further refined.

Many difficult concepts can be easily grasped by thinking out loud and while it is much harder to have a conversation with the author during individual study, it is much easier if there are other people around who are eager to discuss anything and everything. The more committed the individuals, the more likely it is that a study group will work well.

The drawbacks:

The problem occurs either if certain individuals lack the desire to work in this way or if the general focus of the group wanders off on a tangent. A slack or uncommitted attitude on the part of one member of the group can easily break the internal dynamics of a session. Some students relieve themselves of their duties and start relying heavily on the rest of the members. This is extremely counterproductive, and damaging to every member’s learning process.

Similarly, groups may only work if focus and commitment stays on the subject matter. Some students are not able to communicate their ideas effectively and eventually frustration sets in. This may lead to everyone just wasting their time and energy.

Moreover, one extremely critical issue is that of getting off topic and chatting about other things during group study sessions. For this, it is generally advisable that students refrain from forming groups with their good friends unless absolutely necessary. Studying with class fellows who are not more than just acquaintances is a much more productive option.

To sum up, even if all group members are fully committed and try their utmost to stick to the plan, some students might still prefer individual modes of study. Where there is a strong chance that a study group might work, there is also the risk that it might not. And experience is the best teacher in this regard. For this reason, it is highly recommended that one should try both methods with the greatest commitment and decide what is best for them this way.