Study groups
Study groups continue to thrive on campus despite the rise of AI-powered learning platforms. William Fortunato/Pexels

AI tutoring tools are surging in popularity, thanks to high demand for personalized and accessible learning. A 2025 study demonstrates that students using AI tutors achieved significantly higher learning gains in less time compared to those in active, in-class settings—posting a median post-test score of 4.5 versus 3.5 (p < 10⁻⁸).

Additionally, AI-driven systems analyzing student data can deliver tailored learning experiences efficiently. Building on this, a semester-long case study found that psychology students using an AI tutor improved exam performance by up to 15 percentile points over peers without AI support.

Why AI Tutors Shine

  • On-demand support: Available anytime, ideal for late-night study sessions.
  • Tailored learning: Adaptive to each student's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Scalability: A single AI platform can assist thousands of students.
  • Cost-effective: Often free or low-cost compared to private tutoring.

In a 2024 interview with Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy and Khanmigo believes AI can deliver the personalized instruction students need, while freeing up teachers to do what they do best.

Study Groups: Still Valuable—and Why

AI's benefits notwithstanding, study groups offer collaboration and deeper cognitive engagement. A 2022 investigation across 17 U.S. institutions found collaborative learning significantly boosts academic motivation, regardless of students' backgrounds.

Another quasi-experimental study demonstrated that cooperative learning led to higher knowledge retention than lecture-based methods.

A Cautious Note on AI's Limitations

Not all research is celebratory of AI's role. A Wharton School study found that while students practicing with generative AI performed better on simulation exercises, they underperformed on actual exams compared to peers who didn't rely on AI.

This illustrates that AI may encourage dependence on assisted answers rather than independent mastery—raising concerns about academic resilience.

Hybrid Learning: The Best of Both Worlds?

Emerging evidence points to a hybrid future. AI can help students prepare individually—for instance, by diagnosing weak areas—before entering study groups where they engage in peer-driven discussion and reinforcement.

A qualitative evaluation suggests combining AI and human interaction may yield superior outcomes, though more experimental data is needed. One ongoing line of improvement is "study mode," now being launched in tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, which guide students via questions rather than delivering direct answers.

However, as AI becomes ubiquitous, academic institutions are stepping up. A 2025 Grammarly-Talker student survey found 87% of students use AI for schoolwork, but over half feel unsure about ethical use; 62% say responsible AI usage is critical for their career success.

This growing concern has led to new university policies encouraging transparency and ethical AI use, rather than outright bans.

Augment, Don't Replace

AI holds undeniable power, particularly in reinforcing personalized, out-of-class learning. Yet it lacks the collaborative depth that makes study groups essential. For the modern student, success may lie not in choosing AI or peers, but in blending both.

AI tutors excel at building individual understanding; study groups deepen that learning through discussion, debate, and shared discovery. By harnessing the strengths of both, students—and universities—can unlock a richer, more resilient approach to learning.