Self Study
Self-study is what most often comes to mind when you think of studying. It generally involves sitting in a quiet room and poring over notes and learning materials. This studying style is tried and true for a reason — it comes with distinct advantages.
Limits Distractions
Self-study allows you to read and reread material without interruptions. This can be helpful when learning complex topics.
Allows You to Work at Your Own Pace
Sometimes in a group study session, other students may dwell on topics you have thoroughly studied or they’ll blast past a concept you’ve been struggling with. Self-study allows you to take responsibility for your own learning and focus on the topics you need more time with.
Group Study
While research comparing group and self-study is still underway, it appears that students who practice group studying in addition to some self-study have improved test scores and they’re less likely to drop out of school.
Motivation Boost
If you can keep your study group on track, you may be able to learn more together than you would alone. You may also feel more motivated while studying with a group, meaning you’ll be able to study for longer periods.
Fill Gaps in Your Knowledge
Another benefit is that fellow classmates may have a better understanding of concepts that you struggle with — allowing you to fill in some of the gaps in your knowledge. Other students are sometimes able to explain concepts in ways that click for you — especially for concepts where an instructor’s explanations did not help.
You Can Explain Concepts to Others
Teaching concepts to others may actually help you better grasp the concepts yourself. Consider using a group study session to take advantage of this fact.
How to Decide Which Type of Studying Style Is Right for You?
There’s a time and a place for having group and self-study sessions. Take the following into consideration when creating your study plan.
Some Content Lends Itself to Group Study
You may find that you have better academic results when studying by yourself or with a group. However, certain topics can lend themselves better to one studying style over the other.
When memorizing long lists of words, for example, it may help to have someone else quiz you in addition to having your own flashcards.
Find a Comprehension Level Match
If you’re interested in studying with a group, make sure that the people you study with are at a similar level with the learning material. This will allow you to be on the same page about what topics to cover.
Limit Your Study Partners
Groups of two or even three may be less distracted and unproductive than groups of five or more. Just make sure that the people you study with are equally dedicated to doing well in school.
Conclusion
Both studying by yourself or with a group have their advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes the content will make the choice an easy one. Otherwise, you should choose a study mode based on your individual situation and by considering what has worked for you in the past.
