[johnnyodonnell]

I have not heard of this concept, but I think that's a great model for learning!

Our algorithm favors matches for people that are both currently taking a course - so you are correct in that the "Equal" is the most important component that our system tackles. However, it also does suggest matches for people that are in different stages of the course. It might make a suggestion for someone who is taking a course with someone who has completed it - and vice versa.

In the future, I've thought about adding a Q&A component to the site. And I think that would that could help with the "Plus/Minus" aspect of learning.

Maybe it might also be helpful to have a feature where you could ask to have the algorithm favor "Plus/Minus" matches?

[nerdponx]

I almost feel like that's out of scope for your project. The "plus/minus" dynamic plays out organically on places like IRC, Stackoverflow, etc. Whereas finding an equal is somewhat harder.

[johnnyodonnell]

That might be true. I think it might be bordering out of scope for the "Find Study Buddies" feature, but I've thought about potentially adding a Q&A feature to the site in the future, which might be more in scope with the site in general and also address the "Plus/Minus" component.