Solo Studying vs. Group Studying
Your Learning Tribe
"Surround yourself with good people that complement the areas where you are weak."
Jacko Willink
We have an upcoming exam. We’ve learned all the theories and techniques. We’ve looked into building perfect study environments, managing time effectively, and conquering test anxiety. Then, a classmate asks, “Do you want to join our study group?”
Let’s check out some differences between studying solo and studying in a group to answer that question best.
Benefits of Solo Studying
Fewer Distractions: When studying alone, there are fewer distractions. This helps us focus better and accomplish more.
Control Over Study Environment: We can study whenever and wherever we want. Midnight at McDonald's? Sure, why not?
Flexibility: We can take breaks whenever we want and spend as much time as we need on different topics.
Focus on Weak Areas: We can spend time on what we don’t understand without waiting for others.
Drawbacks of Solo Studying
Less Motivation: Sticking to a study schedule without someone else to keep us accountable can be challenging.
Inaccuracy: Without others to check our work, we might not realize when we’re studying something wrong. When studying alone, we risk getting outside feedback.
When to Study Solo
“To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men,—that is genius.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (Self-Reliance)
If the group is too chatty or off-topic.
If the group keeps rescheduling.
If the group’s understanding level is very different from ours. We may benefit from a solo study session if the group knows much more than us.
Benefits of Group Studying
Discussion: Discussing concepts with others helps us understand and remember them better.
Get Questions Answered: If someone knows more, they can explain things to us.
Motivation: Being around others can keep us focused. Only if they are focused too.
Calm Nerves: Studying with others can make us feel less anxious.
Teach Each Other: Teaching what we know helps us learn better.
Drawbacks of Group Studying
Distractions: Only one person can derail the group.
Less Flexibility: We can only study as a group when everyone is available. Matching up synchronous time can be difficult, especially when people have many outside obligations.
Slower Progress: More people can mean slower progress. The group may spend a lot of time catching some people up or getting everyone on the same page.
When to Study in Groups
“In the crowd one feels no responsibility, but also no fear.”
Carl Jung (Archetypes & The Collective Unconscious)
If our classmates are high performers and highly motivated.
If we understand the material relatively well and need to review it.
What to Look for in a Study Partner or Group
Similar Goals: Make sure they want the same kind of study partner.
Same Test Date: It's easier to study with someone with the same test date.
Complementary Struggles: It’s helpful to study with someone who understands what we don’t.
Similar Study Habits: Make sure their study habits match ours.
Resource Sharing: Find someone who can share helpful study techniques or has resources we may not.
Motivating: They should keep us on track.
Comfortable: We need to feel comfortable asking them for help.
Bottom Line
Group studying saved me in my organic chemistry class but sank me in my physical chemistry class. In organic chemistry, I studied with a student who knew way more than me and had access to better resources than I did. I accelerated my studying and did great in the class as a result. I would not have passed if I had not studied with that guy. On the other hand, in physical chemistry, I worked with a group that made me feel like I was crushing it. We all believed we were going to dominate the exam, but we all ended up failing. Our group fell into confirmation bias, and we did not realize that none of us knew what we were doing.
Both solo and group studying have their benefits. It depends on what we need to accomplish. If there’s a lot to catch up on, study alone or with one person. If it’s mostly review, groups are great.
The best study method is the one that works for you. Whether it's solo flashcarding or group discussions, the goal is to get those neurons firing!