Why Group Language Classes Work Better Than Self-Study

These days, learning a new language is considered an important skill. That is because it opens many doors in education, career and daily communication. Many people try to learn a new language either by studying on their own or by joining a group language class. However, both methods have their own strengths but also their limitations.

In this article, we will discuss why group language classes work better than self-study for most learners. You will learn the basic differences between these methods. Also, how group language classes can help you learn a language more effectively than studying by yourself.

What Is Group Language Learning

The group language learning means studying a new language in a class with other learners and a trained teacher. In these classes, the learners sit together, listen to the teacher and practise speaking with their batchmates.

The teacher guides the whole group with planned activities, exercises and explanations. The students can ask questions and work together to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. This method brings many learners together with a common goal of learning a new language in a supportive environment.

According to government school data under UDISE+ 2023-24, more than 61.6% of Indian schools now offer three languages as part of their curriculum, covering about 74.7% of students across the country.

What Is Self-Study in Language Learning

Self-study means learning a language by yourself without attending any regular classes or guided lessons with other learners. In this method, you can learn a new language through books, videos, apps or online tools and work alone at your own pace.

Some learners enjoy this independent style because it allows them to decide their own schedule and choose the material they like. However, self-study requires high discipline and motivation because there is no teacher to guide you or batchmates to practise with regularly.

Why Motivation Matters in Language Learning

When learners study in a group, they feel motivated by the teacher and their batchmates. They can see others making progress and feel encouraged to work harder each day.

Along with that, group classes also have a fixed schedule and deadlines for completing lessons. This structure helps the learners stay committed to their language goals.

In contrast, self-study needs strong personal motivation every day. Many learners struggle to maintain the same level of interest and discipline when they are alone without regular support.

According to the 2024 ASER and UNESCO State of the Education Report, nearly 44% of children in India enter school speaking a language different from the medium of instruction, showing how structured guidance is essential for real language comprehension.

How Interaction Improves Language Skills

Basically, language is a tool for communication and practising it with others makes learning real and practical. The group language classes provide the learners with many chances to speak, listen and interact with batchmates and the teacher. When the learners talk together, they can:

• Correct each other

• Ask questions

• Build confidence in using the language

The self-learners must understand that speaking practice in real time cannot be easily replaced by books or apps. In self-study, learners may not get enough opportunity to practise speaking and listening with real people. This lack of interaction can slow down the improvement of spoken language skills.

According to the Indian Government, digital education platforms now support curriculum resources in over 36 Indian languages, helping children learn fundamentals more effectively through adaptive and vernacular tools.

The Role of the Mentor in Group Language Classes

The presence of a trained mentor is one of the main advantages of group language classes. That is because they know how to explain grammar, correct pronunciation and make lessons interesting and understandable. They can adjust their teaching style to help the learners who struggle with certain topics.

The trainers also provide immediate feedback when students make mistakes and guide them to improve step by step. Meanwhile, during self-study learners may not always know if they are learning correctly or making avoidable mistakes. Such errors can become habits that are hard to fix later without feedback from a teacher.

Structured Learning and Long-Term Language Progress

In institutions or academies, the language classes usually follow a well-planned curriculum that covers the language in a balanced way. The lessons are organised from simple to more advanced topics so that the learners can build strong foundations and improve their language skills steadily.

This structured approach also helps learners understand the language clearly and not skip important basics. But when they do self-study, they must choose their own material and decide what to learn next. They may focus too much on vocabulary alone or skip essential grammar rules without proper guidance.

According to the Government of India’s National Education Policy 2020, education should include the mother tongue or local language as the primary medium of instruction at least up to Grade 5, and a three-language formula is recommended to strengthen multilingual proficiency.

Time Management and Commitment in Group Classes

The group language classes follow fixed timings which help the learners build a regular learning habit. When classes are conducted at the same time each week, learners become more disciplined and serious about attending. Knowing that the teacher and batchmates are waiting also creates a sense of responsibility.

The learners know that lessons will move forward every week, so they stay prepared and focused. But it is easy to delay learning or skip days because there is no fixed routine during self-study. When practice becomes irregular, language improvement slows down. That’s how these group classes help the learners stay consistent and committed throughout their learning journey.

Why Group Language Classes Work Better Than Self-Study

Many group language classes focus on practical learning through real-life activities like conversations, role plays, group discussions and presentations. These activities help the learners use the language in everyday and professional situations.

This makes learning more meaningful and useful. On the other hand, self-study materials usually focus on reading and writing exercises with very little speaking practice. The learners may understand the language but struggle to use it confidently because of this.

How Group Classes Build Confidence and Fluency

Building confidence is very important for speaking any language well. That is why group language learning allows the learners to speak in front of others in a supportive environment. At first, the learners may feel nervous but with time they become more comfortable. Also, continuous speaking practice helps learners improve their:

• Pronunciation

• Sentence formation

• Fluency

They start expressing their thoughts more naturally. The learners rarely practise speaking, which can increase fear during real conversations when they study by themselves.

Making the Right Choice for Your Language Learning

The right language learning method depends on your personal goals and learning style. If you want proper guidance and steady improvement, then group language classes are a good choice for most learners. They provide:

• Structure

• Regular practice

• Teacher support

• Interaction with others

The learners also feel motivated when they see others learning with them. Self-study can be helpful when combined with group classes, especially for revision and practice at home. The most important thing is to choose a method that helps you stay regular, confident and focused on learning.

Conclusion

The group language classes can work better for you than self-study because they provide you with proper guidance, regular practice and support from both teachers and batchmates. You can also get clear guidance, chances to practise speaking and encouragement from both your teachers and batchmates.

It helps you improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in any language steadily and feel more confident while learning. However, self-study can help you practise at home but it often lacks interaction and timely correction with the help of a guide. If you want to speak the language fluently and without fear, group language classes are a reliable and effective choice for you.