A study group is not a novel concept. Ever since kids have had to prepare for tests, students have been joining forces to achieve the same academic goal.
Study groups don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach though. When people get together to conquer a curriculum, they generally develop their own techniques to get the most out of the process.
And with there being so many new study techniques to choose from, do study groups really still have a place in a modern learning environment, particularly online?
Read on before you decide how you want to approach your next course.
Table of Contents
Study Groups: Are They Still Beneficial?
Even for an in-person study group, it can be a challenge to establish the right dynamic. For a study group to be effective, it should be structured around a specific class or course, and everyone should be using the same material.
The groups shouldn’t have too many members, and everyone should have the same level of commitment and responsibility. Even if one person doesn’t share the same goals, the group will suffer, and the results might be poor.
If we transfer these concepts into virtual study groups, things become a little more complicated, mainly because people aren’t commited to meeting at a physical location.
Regardless, the popularity of online study groups is on the rise, and that’s because they offer several significant advantages.
-
They Combat Procrastination
Online learning has many benefits, but one significant downside too. Many people, when left to their own devices, tend to procrastinate on their study goals.
While delaying tasks from time to time is acceptable, losing motivation and wasting time comes way too easily.
Here’s where online study groups help. Many eLearning platforms already offer this service to their students, with the principles essentially remaining the same as for an in-person group.
It’s recommended to keep the group small, gather around the same goal, and encourage the same level of participation. But even virtual study groups outside schools and colleges can help you battle procrastination.
-
They Promote Better Learning
These days, more students are participating in Zoom lectures and remote courses. So, the switch to an online study group isn’t that much of a challenge.
In fact, if you can find several people who are available at the same time as you and are taking the same class, starting a study group can be a terrific idea.
By helping each other think creatively, students can enhance their critical thinking and develop as learners. Asking each other questions is also a great way to test your knowledge among peers.
-
They Make Difficult Concepts Easier to Understand
Another great study group benefit is that they provide a safe space to learn complicated concepts.
If it’s a judgment-free zone, everyone gets a chance to digest ideas that might have been too much for them on their own.
Should You Join Study Groups Online?
Joining online study groups could be beneficial, but only if you are familiar with that learning environment.
Some students prefer to study alone while listening to music or in a quiet atmosphere, but either way – on their own terms. It’s safe to say that online study groups aren’t the right choice for this type of student.
However, plenty of other students thrive when they are surrounded by and interacting with others who have the same goals as them.
The problem is that it’s not always easy to find a suitable online study group. Privately formed groups don’t typically advertise spots for new members, so you might have to take it upon yourself to create one. It mainly depends on what you’re studying.
Once you join a group, you don’t have to socialize with other members either – that’s not the point of these groups. What’s important is that you stay present and work on your tasks while showing up and making an effort.
Take Your Learning to the Next Level
The saying goes, “two heads are better than one,” but does that mean that five or six heads are even better? Of course, that entirely depends, as there are no strict rules on how an online study group should be structured and operate.
It might be just you and your friend from class or dozens of strangers in need of an accountability buddy. For those who enjoy studying in groups, starting a virtual study group can bring you the success you’ve been hoping for. For others, it could be a waste of time.
Haven’t found a course yet? Browse Coursary to find a course that meets your learning and career goals.