Many students are unsure if it’s more time efficient to study with a group of classmates or on their own. Sometimes students prefer the independence and control of studying alone. Other students need a study group to help motivate them.
Study Group Benefits
Discussing Concepts With Others Tests Comprehension
A true test in knowing if a student understands a concept or not is if he or she is able to explain it to someone else. Studying with others gives your child an opportunity to better understand the topic by discussing it with someone else. If a student draws a blank when someone asks him or her to explain a concept, it means that the student has to study more.
Helps Clarify Any Questions
Not understanding a concept and having no one around to help can be very frustrating. A major benefit of studying in a group is being able to ask classmates if something doesn’t make sense. Having other students around to help review concepts can also offer a deeper understanding of the class material.
Motivates Students To Study
If your student works best with others, study groups can be a great option. Many students derive energy from being around other people and look forward to learning and discussing material with classmates. Having a study group will also make your child more accountable. Other people are counting on him or her to help with studying, so it’s less likely that he or she will skip studying.
When It’s Best To Study With Others
If It’s Easier To Memorize Information By Discussing It
If your student is an auditory learner (meaning he or she needs to hear and say things in order to learn concepts) then he or she may benefit from studying in a group. Study groups are a great environment to promote discussion and auditory learning. If your student is an auditory learner but doesn’t have access to a study group—he or she can always study alone and repeat concepts out loud.
Classmates Are Motivated To Study
If your child finds other classmates who are motivated to learn, they can motivate each other to study really effectively. Students can tell if their study group is serious about school if they keep chit-chat to a minimum, don’t rush through concepts, and focus on comprehension rather than memorization.
Your Student Is Motivated By Others
Some students need others around in order to study—otherwise they’re just not motivated. Having other students around who are motivated to learn will help keep your child attentive, engaged, and on track.
