It is suggested that students can acquire more useful knowledge when they work in groups, while others argue that individual learning will bring about more benefits for deeper insights. Although both methods hold merit, each one serves different purposes.
On the one hand, proponents of learning together claim that this method will benefit weaker students who need encouragement and deeper understanding. Working in groups typically allows students to ask questions, share their ideas, or respond to others’ mistakes. Students may indicate that they understand a rigid lesson until they explain clearly to someone else. Moreover, when students collaborate together, each holds a distinct role, reinforcing leadership, negotiating, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Therefore, this method may provide students with a sense of belonging and being recognised. As a result, every single student in groups can broaden their horizon beyond traditional lessons in class and feel valued when contributing something meaningful to groups’ productivity.
On the other hand, however, studying alone may create more benefits for students with a quiet atmosphere. Some parts of study may not be optimal when working with others. For instance, memorizing new vocabulary, solving a complicated maths problem, writing an essay, or revising for an exam often require highly private concentration. In contrast, learning in groups often deals with some irresponsible or lazy individuals who can disrupt the whole group’s efficiency via raising conflicts, ignoring their roles, or delaying assigned deadlines. Furthermore, some students can comprehend lessons and learn at their own pace to find their best solutions without others’ judgments when only studying alone. Consequently, they can strengthen their adaptability, discipline, and take full responsibility with their studying.
In conclusion, after evaluating both approaches, I believe that a combination of both will optimize productivity in the long run. While collaborating with others to learn allows students to socialize and acquire more insights, working alone can reinforce personal discipline without distraction.