When it comes to studying English, there are many great benefits to be gained by learning as part of a group. Here are just some of the advantages of group English courses:
Improved motivation
Finding the motivation to study can be difficult when you're doing it alone, but when you're learning as part of a group, you are encouraged by each other, and are more likely to feel enthused for what you're studying.
Easier learning
It is widely accepted that studying as part of a group can help you to grasp ideas and concepts much quicker than if you are studying alone. This is often because you get the chance to discuss topics with group members and ask questions, which helps to reinforce learning and commit it to memory.
More versatile learning
When studying as part of a group, you have more options for learning than studying alone. You can take part in role plays, quizzes or discussions, for example. By being exposed to different approaches to learning, you have more chance of finding a style that best suits your way of retaining information.
Suitable for specific subjects
There are some areas of learning that are more suited to studying as part of a group than alone. Learning the English language is one of them. Listening and speaking are vital components of learning English, and you only get sufficient practice at this if you study as part of a group. Here at ICE we focus on providing language skills in groups, so it's an invaluable way to pick up the essential skills you need to learn English.
Gain skills
When you study in a group, it's not just the subject matter that you master. This way of learning can provide you with many essential skills, including listening, communicating, negotiating, teamwork, problem solving and the ability to compromise.
If you are studying with lots of different types of people, you gain a wider understanding of different cultures, attitudes or ways of thinking, which can open your mind up to new ideas. You may even discover new or improved approaches and methods of learning that you can apply in the future.
Crucially, if you're learning a language in groups you gain sufficient experience at listening and speaking to provide you with the confidence to put these newly acquired skills into practice in real-life situations.
Social aspects
Let's face it. Learning with others is inherently more fun than studying alone. When you're working in groups, you get the chance to form new friendships and develop a common bond over your shared interest in the particular subject matter.
Cost-effective
In some cases, it can prove more cost-effective to study in a group than alone, as you are sharing the costs between a wider number of people. Just because you aren't getting one-on-one tuition doesn't mean to say you're at a disadvantage, however. In fact, you often gain more insight into a subject learning with others, especially if you're studying English.
