Why group English lessons are not a downside but a mark of professional teaching

Once we’ve decided to learn English, a question immediately arises: what format works best? You can choose one-on-one lessons with a teacher — or join a group. While private lessons usually get positive feedback, group learning still suffers from a few misconceptions. But are they justified?

In this article, we’ll debunk the most common myths about group English classes, both online and offline. You’ll learn why studying English in a group can actually be more effective, and we’ll support these ideas with insights from teachers at Green Forest, one of the largest online English schools in Ukraine.

Contents

1. Myths about group English lessons
     1.1 “I won’t get enough attention”
     1.2 “People of different levels in one group — it’ll be chaos”
     1.3 “I’ll never have a chance to speak”
     1.4 “Groups are just noise and chatter”
     1.5 “It’s harder to stay focused in a group”
     1.6 “Online groups are a technical mess”
2. What teachers say about group English lessons
3. The benefits of studying English in a group
4. Group teaching as a global standard
5. FAQs

Myths about group English lessons

You’ve probably heard things like: “Teachers don’t pay enough attention to students in groups,” “People just talk too much there,” or “Group lessons are poorly organized.”

Maybe you’ve even had your own doubts when thinking about starting to learn English.

Let’s take a look at the most common myths about this format of learning — and see why this format can actually be even more effective than individual lessons.

“I won’t get enough attention”

This is one of the most common opinions about group English lessons.

In reality, an experienced teacher doesn’t divide their attention among students — they organize the lesson in a way that allows everyone to participate, practice, and speak, whether in pairs or small groups. While students are working, the teacher doesn’t just sit back and watch — they listen, take notes on common mistakes, and give feedback either immediately or later, summarizing key points for the whole group.

We believe this myth about “not enough attention” comes from the old-fashioned idea that a lesson should be a nonstop lecture where the teacher talks and students just listen. But that model no longer fits the modern approach to learning — today, lessons are all about practice, interaction, and applying new knowledge in real communication.

“People of different levels in one group — it’ll be chaos”

Modern language schools make sure this doesn’t happen.

For example, at Green Forest, before enrolling in a course, every student takes an online placement test to determine their level of English. After that, there’s also an oral interview, because it’s important to assess not only grammar knowledge but also the ability to speak, build sentences, and understand spoken language. Based on this thorough evaluation, you’ll be placed in the most suitable level to start learning.

Of course, sometimes during the first trial lesson, students may feel that the recommended level is too easy — or too difficult. In that case, you can always contact the school’s managers and request a change to the level that better matches your skills.

“I’ll never have a chance to speak”

What if we tell you it’s actually the opposite? In group lessons led by a professional teacher, you’ll end up speaking even more.

First of all, group learning — especially online — doesn’t mean ten people talking over each other or competing to be the loudest. Instead, most of the time you’ll practice in pairs or small groups of about three students (sometimes a few more, depending on the task).

Throughout the lesson, the teacher regularly changes partners so you can talk to different people. Just imagine how many opportunities this gives you to practice — debates, role-play dialogues, games, and thought-provoking questions for discussion. Working in teams also lets you learn from your peers, not just your teacher!

“Students get to communicate with more people, hear different opinions, learn to express their own ideas, and understand others. A group keeps them motivated to stay on track and maintain their level. Plus, classmates often become great people to connect and collaborate with, which makes learning both enjoyable and effective.”

Tamuna Kvanchiani, senior teacher at Green Forest

“Groups are just noise and chatter”

When a lesson is properly structured, working with other students doesn’t turn into chaos — it becomes a well-coordinated learning process. Silence in class doesn’t always mean productivity. In fact, the more actively students talk and collaborate, the better they absorb new material.

It’s also important to remember that attending group English lessons doesn’t mean you’ll always work in pairs or teams. Some tasks require focus and individual effort — in those moments, the teacher will ask everyone to work independently to reflect, write, or process the material on their own.

“It’s harder to stay focused in a group”

Many people believe that studying in a group makes it harder to focus — too many students around, too much distraction, and not enough concentration on learning or remembering new things.

In reality, a British Council study shows the complete opposite: students actually serve as role models for each other’s learning. Group English lessons create more interaction, which means more variety and depth in communication. Every learner brings their own unique background and strengths to share with others.

The social dynamics of a group can enhance concentration — students stay alert because they know they might be called on to participate or contribute to a discussion. Interestingly, many learners note that in one-on-one lessons they lose focus more easily, as there’s less movement or energy in the session. In groups, teamwork creates a sense of presence and community — a motivational trigger that keeps everyone engaged, attentive, and inspired to learn together.

“Online groups are a technical mess”

It might have been true back in 2020, when education went digital almost overnight at the start of the pandemic. Everyone needed time to adapt to new realities — to figure out the tools, handle tech issues, and learn how to teach and study online.

But now, after years of experience, teachers have mastered the art of running online lessons smoothly. They can confidently manage such classes using just their laptop and a few reliable tools. Platforms like Zoom make this easy thanks to breakout rooms, where students can work in pairs or small groups.

With just a few clicks, teachers divide the class, send students into their rooms to complete a task, and then move between rooms to listen, guide, and give feedback. And if someone needs help, there’s a “Need assistance” button — the teacher joins instantly.

Group English lessons online also include interactive tools like Quizlet, Mentimeter, Kahoot, Smarte+ and Notes, which make learning dynamic and engaging. Students don’t just sit and copy — they click, drag, match, and choose answers. This kind of interactivity activates motor memory, helping them remember vocabulary and grammar better.

So no — online group English classes are not chaotic. On the contrary, with today’s tech tools, it’s easier to organize and more interactive than ever.

Of course, there are still many myths and misconceptions about this format of learning. We’ve explored some of the most common ones — the ones that often stop students from choosing this format. Now that we’ve debunked them, let’s look at what truly makes group English learning so special — and why so many teachers recommend it.

What teachers say about group English lessons

As part of creating this article, we talked to Green Forest teachers to learn what they love most about teaching in groups — and how this format helps students stay motivated.

“It keeps me energized because I always have to stay updated and know how to guide a group of people with different experiences toward a common goal.”

Viktoria Chertenko, senior teacher at Green Forest

“The group teaching is, above all, about communication — and the communicative approach is known as one of the most effective ways to develop language skills.”

Anastasiia Stepanova, senior teacher at Green Forest 

“As much as students want to talk to their teacher, it’s not the same as speaking with peers at the same language level. A teacher will always adjust their speech in an unnatural way to ensure understanding. Communication with peers, on the other hand, helps learners progress faster and overcome the fear of speaking in the future. So, to sum up — group work is always a kind of safety net, both for teachers and for students,” 

Viktoria Voronina​, senior teacher at Green Forest 

So what are the main advantages of learning English in a group? Let’s take a closer look.

The benefits of studying English in a group

The first and most important advantage of group learning is the amount of real speaking practice and the development of communication skills. Group English lessons are full of conversations — it’s the closest thing to being in a real language environment. This helps students overcome their language barrier, get used to speaking with different people, and learn to see English as a living tool, not just a school subject.

“Among many factors, I’d highlight the development of communication skills through interaction with others. In a group, students quickly lose certain insecurities — fear of speaking or making mistakes. They just talk. Because they’re being listened to. And then they switch roles,” — says Viktoria Voronina, senior teacher at Green Forest.

Teacher and methodologist Viktoria Chertenko agrees: “One of the biggest advantages of group lessons is the chance to practice both speaking and listening skills. It’s also a great way to overcome the language barrier.”

And speaking of listening — that’s another benefit. In group English classes, you get used to hearing different accents and voices. Teachers usually speak clearly and slowly, but in real life, people sound very different. Group English lessons prepare you for that diversity, helping you understand English as it’s truly spoken.

Another reason students love group learning is the atmosphere. Strangers soon turn into a supportive team. There’s always a sense of shared progress — when you see others learning, it motivates you to keep going too.

“After just a few lessons, students start building connections — they help, support, and motivate each other. Group classes are a space for brainstorming, discussing new material, and sharing ideas. Plus, there’s always our own humor, our vibe, and our common effort,” — adds Anastasiia Stepanova, senior teacher at Green Forest.

Interestingly, in online group English lessons, students often feel less afraid to make mistakes. Surrounded by peers, they realize everyone slips up sometimes — and that’s perfectly fine. Watching how others express their opinions and receive feedback is also a valuable learning experience. This is what’s known as peer learning — learning through interaction. The word peer doesn’t always mean “same age,” but rather “same level.” Through peer learning, students support each other, explore different perspectives, and exchange knowledge.

Research from School of Foreign Studies, Yangtze University confirms that peer learning not only increases students’ awareness of their strengths and weaknesses but also boosts motivation, encourages collaboration, and promotes more active language use. That’s why it’s widely applied in UK universities.

Closely related is autonomous learning — self-directed study, which develops best in a group of equals where the teacher acts as a guide rather than a lecturer. Students discuss, explore, and reach conclusions together — not through memorization, but through understanding.

The teacher’s main task? To create a motivating environment and structure lessons that inspire active learning — so that every student leaves the class feeling both confident and capable.

Group teaching as a global standard

When it comes to the advantages of group learning, it’s worth noting that this format is considered a global standard. In professional teaching programs like CELTA, TEFL, TESOL, and DELTA, future educators are trained specifically to teach in groups — and not small ones.

During a CELTA course, for instance, trainees work with classes of 10–15 students. In these conditions, teachers must demonstrate their ability to manage a classroom effectively — to guide discussions, monitor participation, give feedback, and keep everyone engaged and active throughout the lesson.

At first glance, 10–15 students might seem like a lot, but this is actually the ideal size. It allows the teacher to organize various pairs, small-group (3–4 people), and large-group (5–6 people) activities. The format encourages interaction — whether through debates, roleplays, or collaborative projects — giving learners more opportunities to practice and communicate with different people during the lesson.

Being able to manage such a group is, in fact, a strong indicator of professional teaching skill. At the same time, individual lessons or small-group sessions can also bring excellent results — everything depends on the teacher’s skills and the learner’s personal goals. For those who prefer one-on-one learning, Green Forest offers UTalk, a flexible program of short 15- or 30-minute online lessons that easily fit into a busy schedule and ensure steady progress.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of learning doesn’t depend solely on the format, but on whether it suits you personally. Despite the common myths, group lessons remain one of the most efficient ways to learn English — and in the hands of a skilled teacher, they can be both dynamic and transformative.

At Green Forest, all teachers undergo certified training at the Teaching Center by Nadiya Dyachuk before joining the school. Thanks to a well-organized process and experienced educators, students in group classes often achieve faster results than in other learning formats.

FAQs

1. Are group English classes effective?

Yes! Group English lessons help you develop speaking skills, get used to different accents, and overcome the language barrier. You learn to communicate naturally — just like in real-life situations.

2. Who are group English classes best for?

They’re ideal for learners who value motivation, teamwork, and a sense of shared progress. Group learning works well for all levels — from A1 to C2 — since each group is formed based on students’ language level and learning pace.

3. What’s the difference between group and individual lessons?

Individual lessons give you the teacher’s full attention, while group lessons offer more real communication, teamwork, and the chance to hear English “in action.”

4. How do online group English lessons work?

At Green Forest, lessons take place on Zoom and the school’s own interactive platform Smarte. Teachers use interactive exercises, breakout rooms, and digital boards to make speaking practice engaging and dynamic.

5. What’s the ideal number of students in a group?

Usually 6–10 people. This allows everyone to participate, receive feedback, and stay active throughout the lesson.

6. Can beginners join group English classes?

Absolutely! Even if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll be placed in a group with others at your level. Teachers adapt materials, explain the basics clearly, and gradually add speaking practice — so you’ll feel confident from your very first class.