Issue topic 1

"Because learning is not a solitary activity but one that requires collaboration
among people, students of all ages will benefit academically if they work frequently in groups."


Although individual study is necessary and will likely always be the primary method for study, group study is a valuable tool for the progression of a students ability to assimilate, integrate and apply their studies. Study groups and group projects have their benefits and downfalls, but most of thee downfalls may be mitigated by proper management of such group work. In addition, learning groupd offer opportunities to overcome obstacles that are found in real world application of the traditional learning process.

Schooling in itself is a form of group learning. We attend lectures in groups, we test in groups and we complain about workload and particular assignments and tests in groups. Applying group study and group projects to the learning process guides what is already a socialized event into a communal process. This managed group dynamic allows for overcoming of obstacles that are often stumbling blocks for the solitary student.

As with all aspects of human community, the group dynamic will give opportunity for lethargy among certain members. However, if properly managed with thought towards a responsible and nurturing environment, a healthy group project will give lethargic members inspiration to take a greater role, and inspire them to make a difference and take part. It can inspire the uninterested student to take a greater interest in their studies. The point is that a group must be directed to foster itself and manage itself, which is in an of itself a skill necessary for real worl applications of ones education.

Additionally, communal work may unmask errors and disabilities in individual students. In my own group studies in mathematics, we often found that each student has a unique way of understanding aspects of things such as topics in differential calculus. Sharing those techniques, and the process by which those techniques had arisen often was great interest.

In addition, these learning groups can unmask and assist in grappling with, biological deficiencies such as a learning disorder. Auditory Sequential Memory disorder is a problem that results in the re-ordering of subject ideas. In practical treatment, this is often compensated for by oral reading of the source material. Group discussions offer a natural remedy for ailments such as these where a reading or understanding disorder can be patched and possibly unmasked.

In summation, a group learning dynamic, if properly managed to require each student to be a contributor and to foster a inspirational contributing environment, is a great boone to a students learning and integration of their studies. Students learn how to work together, to find value in one another, and to learn through teaching and assisting. Whereas independent study will always be a necessary component of education, it is important to understand that we are not a solitary rock as Descartes would consider. Humans are a collective, and we work in a collective world. Learning in a collective is an important and powerful tool to education.