You learn better with others, but you're studying alone
You know you learn best through discussion, explanation, and collaboration, but right now you're studying solo—and it's just not clicking the same way. The absence of other people to bounce ideas off, to challenge your thinking, or to explain concepts to makes learning feel flat and harder. The strategies below will help you recreate some of the benefits of collaborative learning even when studying alone, simulate discussions and multiple perspectives, and find ways to engage with the material socially even without physical study partners.
Each strategy starts with a flow diagram showing the order in which modes and functions are used, followed by an explanation of how this strategy would work for your issue and then examples of prompts or question you can type or paste into the chat window.
Have a look at these four and choose one that suits your situation best. Remember, Wise-Owl is here to help you with your study; it does not do your study for you. Learning is always effortful, even with AI, but it is an investment in your future. Your degree might help you getting into the labour market, but the quality of your learning is what makes you successful in your career.
Strategy A: Virtual study group collaboration
Strategy A
Flow: Simulator Mode → Study Group → Assessor Mode → Critical Reasoning (with group) → Tutor Mode → Magic Question → Study Group (continued)
How it works: Use the virtual study group for all the benefits of collaborative learning: discussion, multiple perspectives, teaching others
Example prompts:
In Study Group: "Let's study [topic] together. I want each of you to share your understanding"
"Ask me questions about parts you don't understand"
"Let's debate different interpretations of [concept]"
In Critical Reasoning (back in group): "The AI just gave us this question. Let's discuss our answers"
"Someone take a different position and argue for it"
Use Magic Question: "What should we explore next as a group?"
Strategy B: Teach-learn cycle
Strategy B
Flow: Simulator Mode → Study Group → Tutor Mode → Conversation Starters → Study Group (teaching session) → Coach Mode → Portfolio Coach
How it works: Take turns being the teacher and learner with virtual personas
Example prompts:
In Study Group: "I'll teach [concept A] if someone else teaches me [concept B]"
"Ask me questions as I teach to help me clarify my thinking"
For learning from others: "Now you teach me. I'll ask questions"
"Let's form smaller breakout discussions on different aspects"
In Portfolio Coach: "I just taught [concept]. Give me feedback on my teaching"
Strategy C: Full virtual collaboration
Strategy C
Flow: Simulator Mode → Study Group (initial discussion) → Tutor Mode → Conversation Starters → Simulator Mode → Study Group (teach each other) → Assessor Mode → Critical Reasoning (group debate) → Coach Mode → Study Notes (collaborative) → Simulator Mode → Study Group (quiz each other) → Tutor Mode → Summarise → Assessor Mode → Applied Knowledge
How it works: Start with group discussion, learn together, teach each other, debate, organise collaboratively, quiz each other, consolidate, solve problems together
Example prompts:
Simulator Mode → Study Group: "Let's start learning [topic] together. Everyone share initial thoughts"
Tutor Mode → Conversation Starters: "What questions should our study group explore?"
Simulator Mode → Study Group: "Let's divide topics and teach each other"
Assessor Mode → Critical Reasoning: "Here's a controversial question. Let's debate as a group"
Coach Mode → Study Notes: "Help our group organise what we've learned"
Simulator Mode → Study Group: "Let's quiz each other on [topic]"
Tutor Mode → Summarise: "Summarise our group's learning"
Assessor Mode → Applied Knowledge: "Let's solve this problem together as a group"
Strategy D: Structured collaborative learning
Strategy D
Flow: Coach Mode → Study Planner (group learning plan) → Simulator Mode → Study Group (kick-off) → Tutor Mode → Deep Dive → Simulator Mode → Role Play (practice teaching) → Assessor Mode → Quiz (compete friendly) → Coach Mode → Portfolio Coach (peer feedback) → Tutor Mode → Magic Question → Simulator Mode → Study Group (final discussion) → Assessor Mode → Oral Examination (group)
How it works: Plan collaborative approach, form group, learn together, practice teaching, friendly competition, give each other feedback, explore together, discuss, group examination
Example prompts:
Coach Mode → Study Planner: "Create a study group learning plan for [topic]"
Simulator Mode → Study Group: "Let's kick off our study group and set goals"
Tutor Mode → Deep Dive: "Everyone listen as we go deep on [topic]"
Simulator Mode → Role Play: "Let me practice teaching while you all act as students"
Assessor Mode → Quiz: "Let's have a friendly quiz competition"
Coach Mode → Portfolio Coach: [Group feedback] "Evaluate how we're learning together"
Tutor Mode → Magic Question: "What should our group explore next?"
Simulator Mode → Study Group: "Final group discussion on everything we've learned"
Assessor Mode → Oral Examination: "Examine our group's collective understanding"