<p>I am def. better when I study in groups- when I study alone I am easily distracted. Also, when I study in groups, I always feel the need to prepare beforehand (so I do not look stupid), which leads to even more studying...</p>
<p>My teacher said that they would always study in groups in graduate school and each person had to present on a specific topic.
Groups are definitely much better, but yes you are suppose to look at it before hand. I could not do some CS stuff if it was not for groups.</p>
<p>I absolutely study alone. Group work is helpful at times but most college study groups are ineffective. I also like to study in a quiet place so I can focus fully on the material.</p>
<p>I don't like study groups and all that for the simple reason that nothing gets done. If something gets done, it's more along the lines of copying most of the time. And it tends to help the one person leading the discussion, if on topic.</p>
<p>Alone 100%. I mean, sometimes I feel badly about it..but, realistically, I can't concentrate with others. I've tried study groups and I'm normally the first person getting everyone off-topic.</p>
<p>Post #18 had it right--the best thing to do in a group is to have it so that each person presents/explains the material he is weakest in. Having to go through and explain complex topics to others who understand them better is the best way of learning them. When the stronger student corrects or guides you, you tend to remember/understand it better. Group study is also a good way to practice foreign languages--both to test vocabulary and grammar and to practice oral skills.</p>
<p>I find it easier to study alone unless I'm completely lost. In that case, my friends who are students themselves could better explain concepts to me that the TA/Textbook/Professor failed to present in simple stripped down terms without all the fluff. Otherwise, I find that studying in a group could be counter productive. If you know that everyone in your group is serious about getting the studying done or if you're completely lost, I say go with the group idea. Otherwise just try studying alone.</p>
<p>OMG, I hate groupwork to the guts. Nothing ever goes smoothly...I study alone all the time. But again, music majors are lone wolves...I'm doubling in Computer Science, so I work collaboratively on labs and whatnot , though.</p>
<p>study alone of course.. unless its one of those lab classes that you need help from a group or partner.</p>
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Studying in a group is great when reviewing for a test but lousy for learning new material. The trick is to do you alone-time studying before you do the group thing. When you get to the group, have definite goals of what you'll cover, ask each other questions, let everyone talk out the answers--some might have more insights--great for developing those essay answers for midterms and finals.
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<p>Very good advice. I usually study alone most of the time, but right before the test, I usually hang out where I know other people should be coming to study and just review with them, which helps out quite a bit.</p>
<p>I study alone, and to review I teach the others - if you have to explain something, you are forced to understand it - really understand it. (At least in technical subjects..).
I agree with #20 about the instincts thing. I wouldn't even read what some of them learn word by word..</p>
<p>It depends on the subject, and whether or not you have someone making sure you stay on track. For example, a group of us studied for a history course together, and it worked, because we were able to collectively memorize things (one person would remember one thing that another person didn't, etc.). On the other hand, for subjects that aren't so much memorization, I usually study alone. I tried studying in a group for math once, and it just didn't work out, because often, studying for math involves long periods of time when you just sit there and do problems... and other people just become a distraction.</p>