7 Reasons Why You Should Study Alone

1. Distractions:

Studying in a group can be challenging since you have to cope with individuals conversing and shifting positions, which can be highly disruptive. Consequently, it becomes difficult to concentrate on your tasks for an extended duration.

2. Freedom:

Studying alone means that you have the freedom to plan your study sessions without having to consider the schedules or preferences of others. Therefore, you do not have to be concerned about the possibility of others cancelling or failing to attend the session.

3. Choosing Preferred Location:

When you study alone, you can choose the location where you want to study. For instance, if you prefer studying at the library, you can easily go there without being concerned about others’ preferences.

Additionally, you can choose the study methods that suit you best. For example, if you prefer reviewing homework quizzes, you can do so without convincing the study group to do the same.

4. Plan Your Schedule:

Studying independently allows you to plan your study sessions easily because you do not have to consider other people’s schedules. Consequently, you can schedule your study sessions during the time of the day when you are most productive.

5. Flexibility:

Studying independently eliminates the need to factor in other people’s schedules, allowing you to plan your study sessions at your own pace. This lets you decide how fast or slow you want to study and when to take breaks or stop studying.

6. Focus On Difficult Materials:

Studying independently allows you to select the content you wish to learn. For instance, if you encounter a challenging section of the exam material, you don’t have to persuade your peers to study that particular topic when studying independently.

7. It Is Easier To Learn New Material

On the other hand, studying alone lets you absorb new information more easily as you can focus for extended periods in silence. Wearing headphones can enhance your focus, and noise-cancelling headphones are particularly helpful for studying.

Benefits Of Group Study

However, it’s important not to disregard the advantages of group study.

Motivation:

Studying in a group usually leads to increased motivation to study diligently. This is because observing your peers working hard on exam material can inspire you to do the same. Additionally, the presence of others can boost energy, allowing you to study for extended periods.

Less Procrastination:

Since you and your peers have agreed on a study schedule, there is a sense of responsibility and expectation to attend the sessions. If you fail to show up, your peers may be let down, and you could be held accountable.

This sense of accountability can discourage you from procrastinating and skipping study sessions. Therefore, having a group study schedule can help reduce procrastination.

Ability To Ask And Answer Questions:

Studying with other students offers the advantage of seeking clarification by asking questions. One benefit of receiving answers from a peer is that they provide a distinct viewpoint and explanation that can enhance your comprehension of the subject matter.

Collaborative studying can be valuable as it can prevent frustration and reduce time spent attempting to understand concepts alone.

Social Connection:

Collaborative studying can be a pleasurable experience and promotes the development of social relationships. Establishing social connections is essential for achieving happiness and contentment in life. Prolonged solitary studying can lead to feelings of isolation, which can cause unhappiness.

Discussing The Material:

You can converse with other students about the course content when studying in a group. This is an effective technique for remembering and retaining information, as discussing and clarifying concepts with others can enhance your understanding of the subject matter.

Drawbacks of studying in a group

There are several disadvantages to studying in a group.

Takes More Time

Group study usually involves travelling to a designated location to meet with peers. Additionally, it often takes longer than anticipated for everyone to arrive and settle, resulting in a slow start to the study session. Overall, studying in a group requires more time compared to studying independently.

Slower progress

Studying in a group means that the slowest member limits the pace of learning. This can result in a scenario where some individuals are prepared to progress to the next topic but cannot because one of their study partners is falling behind. This can be a source of annoyance and is not an efficient study method.

Tips For Studying In A Group

1. Not More Than 4 People In A Group

Having more than four members in a group can cause some difficulties. It is important to ensure that your study group is not excessively large.

2. Do Not Only Depend On Group Study

Relying entirely on group study is not recommended. It’s not uncommon to come across students who solely depend on group study, which is not a very effective way of learning. This is mainly because scheduling group sessions can be challenging.

Therefore, it is advisable to complement group study with individual study to ensure that you have sufficient time to cover all the course material.

3. Come Ready

It is essential to prepare for exams in advance, and this applies not only to you but also to your fellow students. Prior knowledge of the exam material can save considerable time during group study sessions. Additionally, this will make your study sessions more productive, resulting in better outcomes.

4. Discuss During A Break

It is advisable to reserve your break time for discussions about how life is going instead of engaging in such conversations during the study session. Doing so will make the study session more enjoyable and productive.

5. Pick A Good Location

Ensure you select a suitable location for your study session that provides adequate space and permits conversation. Consider places such as libraries, a friend’s study space, coffee shops, or outdoor spaces that are not too distant.

Conclusion

As mentioned, no one is most effective between studying alone and in a group because it works according to the student’s preference.

Research carried out by R. Keith Sawyer, PhD, a psychology professor from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, has indicated that group studying is a more efficient method, as revealed by the findings.“Study groups are so effective because they provide a way for students to make the lecture notes their own,”

Sawyer says. “When students hear the voice of the professor and are taking notes, they are so busy writing that it’s hard for them to really absorb the material. What happens in the study-group setting is that students could absorb lecture notes and make them their own.”