Collaborative learning, a growing trend in India, is an amazing approach that aids in the holistic development of children. More and more parents and teachers are recognising the benefits of group study among children. In this article, we will delve into the various ways in which group study is advantageous for children.

Improved Academic Performance

One of the most important benefits of group study or collaborative learning evidently witnessed among children is the significant improvement in their grades. Studying in small groups helps students share their knowledge, skills, and perspectives. This helps them to gain an enhanced understanding of the subject matter they are studying. It also helps them see different types of learning strategies that help them overcome academic challenges. Group study encourages children to see different viewpoints, which helps them cultivate key skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and analysing any problem or subject matter. By applying their minds during group studies, the retention power of children’s minds improves, thereby resulting in better results in exams and tests.

Increased Motivation and Engagement

Collaborative learning encourages children to study and is known to increase motivation among students. In a group study, children learn to become more accountable and responsible as they work together to meet each other’s deadlines. Group study also increases students’ interest in a particular subject they might not have enjoyed studying by themselves, as they feel more involved in the subject in the presence of their peers. The increased motivation to learn helps children progress academically. Group study also encourages healthy competition among peers in a holistic way where they all want to see each other win, thereby improving the overall academic performance of the entire group. Positive feedback and encouragement from classmates or study buddies help keep children engaged in their studies and motivate them to work harder.

Enhanced Social Skills and Relationships

It is extremely important for school children to cultivate healthy friendships with their classmates and peers for a comfortable school life experience. Collaborative learning is an excellent way for children to connect with their peers, make friends, and maintain their relationships in a healthy way. It also teaches children essential social skills, such as the importance of healthy competition, being helpful, and the joy of seeing a close friend excel. It also contributes to building stronger bonds and a sense of belonging, which is great for a child’s mental health. Group study also provides opportunities for children to develop essential communication, collaboration, and leadership skills as they learn to listen, speak, negotiate, and coordinate with their peers. Children can also learn empathy, respect, and trust, as well as understand, appreciate, and accept the differences and similarities among their group members.

Improved Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Group study can positively impact children’s confidence in themselves. It cultivates being able to demonstrate their thoughts, views, and knowledge in front of their peers, which prepares them for real-world scenarios at an early age and helps them trust in their abilities. The support and encouragement students receive from group study helps to reduce their stress and anxiety. Children are able to share their worries and difficulties more easily with their peers. This also helps them learn better in a calmer state of mind, which in turn improves their academic performance and further boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem. Group study has a domino effect of positive results, which can stretch far into a child’s future.

Increased Creativity and Innovation

When children brainstorm and study together, they encourage creative thinking among each other and can come up with innovative solutions to a particular child’s problems. By exploring new ideas, concepts, and possibilities with their peers, children can develop their imagination and curiosity. The collaborative nature of group study encourages them to think outside the box, find novel solutions, and express themselves more freely. It gives them exposure to diverse perspectives and approaches, which also makes them more receptive and open-minded. The approach inspires children to be highly resourceful, which is an invaluable life skill.

Preparing for Adulthood

As adults, analytical thinking, critical thinking, resourceful problem-solving, innovative solutions, seeing and hearing different perspectives, accepting criticism, and being encouraging and patient are essential life skills in the 21st Century. Group study gives children all the right tools to learn and embody these skills from a very young age. This makes them more adaptable as adults. Therefore, they have an easier time adjusting to life’s changes as adults, navigating the varied kinds of people and situations they may meet in the future. Furthermore, exposure to diverse cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds during group study can help children become more open-minded, tolerant, and respectful of others, qualities that are crucial for navigating the increasingly globalised and interconnected world.

Enjoyable Learning Experience

An obvious benefit of group study is that it makes learning fun. Children often do not enjoy the process of studying as they may find it stifling or restricting. Group study changes that notion by way of offering them more time with their friends. The games, group activities, and projects involved in collaborative learning add an element of fun and excitement to learning. It also creates memories and stories for children to share. Students can also discover new interests, passions, and goals through their interactions with their classmates and peers.