Some students are in a trance at night with headphones on, plowing through every class with their thoughts. Others prefer conversational sessions that quickly get intense, but what is the best way to study for exams? Perhaps you have just started to study for a test, or you’ve been studying for an assignment or two all semester long. Whatever approach you choose is key to getting good grades. But before you decide, here is what you should know about solo vs. group study.
The Benefits of Solo Studying
Solo studying means learning independently without speaking with other people. There are several unique benefits of solo studying:
- Learning alone allows you to pace yourself. You’ll be able to pick a slower pace for complex topics and skim over content you already know. It also makes it easier to avoid distractions and stay focused.
- You can use your study techniques (flashcards, mind maps, detailed note-taking) without worrying about synchronizing with others.
- You can study at a convenient time — early in the morning, at night, or on break — without adhering to others’ schedules.
- If you have exams where you’ll need to review facts or memorize information, you may choose to study alone to focus.
Solo Study Drawbacks
Despite its benefits, solo study has potential drawbacks:
- Being without others also means missing out on alternate points of view/solutions to problems.
- Studying alone can sometimes lead to decreased motivation or procrastination.
- You may not have immediate access to clarification/confirmation of understanding.
- It may get boring or isolating.
- Opportunity to hear other perspectives or answer quick questions when you’re stuck.
Advantages of Group Studying
Group studying is studying with other people who strive to study like you. It’s helpful when taking a class with another person or people with different ideas. There are advantages to learning in a group:
- Shared knowledge means you get what the group members have to offer, and one person might explain something that you find difficult in a way that makes sense to you.
- Schedule sessions with others to reduce procrastination and increase commitment.
- Reviewing together helps reinforce concepts, spot knowledge gaps, and practice with mock quizzes or discussions.
- Group work promotes soft skills such as communication, active listening, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Challenges of Group Study
- Group situations can easily lead to off-topic conversations or even distractions.
- It can be hard to work out a study time that works for everyone in the group.
- Some members of groups may offer less so there is an imbalance in workload.
Solo vs. Group Study: Which Is Better?
So should you study alone or in a group? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you have a math or technical course, consider solo study. However, group study is beneficial if you have a theory-oriented course or one with discussion. You may prefer one of these effective study methods for reviewing and one for understanding new topics.
When considering the best way to study for exams, a hybrid approach may be the best of both worlds. You can start reading personally and get to grips with the subject before taking on group sessions for discussion or revision.
Practical Tips for Each Method
For Solo Study:
- Set goals and a schedule to avoid procrastination.
- Use productivity tools like Pomodoro timers or apps like Notion.
- Change your environment occasionally to stay engaged.
For Group Study:
- Limit the group size to 3–5 focused members.
- Prepare an agenda and stick to it.
- Make notes together on a collaborative site like Google Docs or Quizlet.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer solo or group study, the key is to stay consistent and know what works best for you to learn. Both are effective study methods for students. You can mix both study methods to meet your academic goals.