Group Study vs Private Study

Administration / 15 Aug, 2023

The type of study that is most effective depends on the student and the subject matter. So group vs private study isn’t always a fair match-up. Group study can be beneficial for certain subjects, such as history, where students can discuss and debate different points of view. Private study can be beneficial for more analytical subjects, such as GCSE Maths, where students can focus on their own understanding of the material. In general, it is important to find a balance between both types of study for most subjects. You can always ask your GCSE tutor for advice regarding whether the subject is more suited to private or group study. Anyways, let’s delve a bit deeper into group vs private study…

Advantages of Private Study

Students who choose to study alone (independent study) can better focus on the material and sometimes this means fewer distractions. They don’t have to worry about study sessions turning into social time with friends. With self-study, students can place all of their attention on studying and ensuring they’re well prepared for upcoming tests in subjects such as GCSE Maths and Physics.

Also, students work better at night time, others work better during the day. When students study in a group, the priority is finding a time that works for everyone, rather than finding a time that is most effective for studying. Studying alone provides students this liberty of choosing when they want to study and for what period of time.

All students have different study techniques – some students want to sit in their bedrooms listening to soft background music whereas others need to be in a public space with things going on around them to keep focused. Studying alone enables students to study in an environment/setting that’s best for them.

Advantages of Group Study

Struggling to understand a concept and having no one nearby to help can be quite annoying. A benefit of studying in a group is being able to ask friends if a concept within a topic doesn’t make sense, such as when to use SUVAT equations in GCSE Maths. Having other students around to help review concepts can also offer a deeper understanding of the syllabus material.

The priority of a study group is to study! If the group is discussing things that are off-topic too often, then it’s best that the student studies alone. It’s good to take a break from studying and socialise, but this shouldn’t be at the detriment of your revision progress.

So then, group vs private study. Where do you stand?