by Prin Dumas

Created on: January 20, 2012

Learning a language in a group setting has definite benefits, but there are also some possible obstacles to the learning process.  People learn in different ways, some thriving in groups while others may get lost in the group's pace.  Learning a new language is already challenging, and so not everyone can learn a new language in a group setting.

These are the positives to consider learning a language in a group setting:

1.  Diverse support system equipped with a teacher, peers, and natural competitive drives to excel on expectations and perform above others

2.  Easy access to a question and answer dynamic

3.  Network of people with similar goals and interests

4.  Less boring than yawning alone with a textbook or video program

Although one can see that a group environment provides plentiful interaction, this may not be ideal for some learners.  A classroom atmosphere tends to add structure, but that is not always a guaranteed quality, depending on the actual teacher and members of the class body.  Since learning should always be fun and learning a new language can be somewhat daunting, a group setting does best to keep learning a new language fun for the learner.  That is inarguable.  Laughing at misunderstandings and sharing struggles can be very enjoyable.  Learning in groups is ideal for those pursuing a hobby-level commitment to learning a new language. 

Some of the negatives to consider about learning a language in a group setting are:

1.  Groupthink can interfere with an individual's sincere motivation and comprehension of the language

2.  Different levels of learning in a group may undermine learning at its full potential for the individual

3.  Commitment (time and financial) to a set schedule, location, and environment

4.  Overstimulation and lack of focus, too social for the quiet learner

In many cases, people learn languages for a personal development goal, but there are also professional caveats involved.  When time is important and learning the language well will contribute to a possible professional upgrade and improvement of one's life, it is best to take it seriously and start learning the new language alone.  It provides the person with control to navigate their capacity to learn.  Too many people and too many varying learning levels may interfere with learning a new language quickly.  Although quiet learning can be less fun it does not have to be, and the person can control how he or she explores entertaining learning opportunities.  Simply put, not learning in a group setting allows for an individualized curriculum.

Group settings may also be ideal for the young or older learners who are seeking to meet new people and learn new things "for the fun of it."  It is hard to say which is better, alone or group, but the learner has to make an initial choice.  This choice does not have to be exclusive.  Learning in a group setting is typically temporary with a set number of classes, and once these are over, a learner can switch to private tutoring or self-learning, and vice versa.  In some cases, it may benefit an avid learner to engage in both, quiet learning and learning in a group setting.

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