Tips on using generative AI to help you study

Making connections between new concepts and previous knowledge helps us remember and recall information. This is useful for pre-lecture preparation and other scenarios where an understanding of how a new concept is related to previously learned knowledge is needed.

Suggested prompt for a History student

[I'm about to study the 'Renaissance' period in European history. Can you provide an overview that connects the Renaissance to its preceding era, the 'Middle Ages'? Also, highlight any pivotal events or figures from the Middle Ages that directly influenced the onset and progression of the Renaissance.]

The AI-generated response should help the student transition smoothly from known concepts to the new topic in a broader historical context.  

Learning through analogies is an effective way to grasp new concepts by relating them to known ideas or experiences. Analogies draw a comparison between two different things based on a shared characteristic or relationship, making it easier to understand and remember unfamiliar topics. 

Example prompt for a Business School student

[I'm learning about SWOT Analysis in my strategic management module. Can you provide an analogy to help me grasp its structure and purpose in evaluating a business?]

By using a prompt like this, a business school student can ask generative AI to provide illustrative analogies that make complex concepts more relatable and easier to understand.

Learning-by-teaching is widely recognised as a highly effective educational method.

Teaching a concept you have recently studied to ChatGPT (this also works with other LLMs such as Bing or Bard) is a great way to check your current understanding. For example, if you have just learnt about oxygen consumption and its relation to physical performance, you could try explaining this topic to ChatGPT.

Example prompt for a Sports Science student

[ChatGPT, imagine you’re Sam, a third-year Sports and Exercise Science student, and I’m your classmate. Today, we are studying V̇O2 max.]

Following this prompt, you should then give your own explanation of the topic and close with the prompt

[Does this make sense so far, Sam, Would you like to ask me any questions?] 

For a full example, read this E-Learning blog post

Spaced recall is a learning technique where information is reviewed at increasing intervals to help solidify it in long-term memory. 

Generative AI can create questions related to the content you are studying. Altering the intervals between these questions helps reinforce the information.

Example prompt for a Law student

[ChatGPT, can you generate five questions related to the concept of 'Negligence' in Tort Law? Also, suggest the optimal spacing intervals for me to review these questions for effective recall.]

After receiving this prompt, the AI would not only produce the five questions but also provide a recommended review schedule based on the principles of spaced repetition.

Scenario-based learning (SBL) is an effective pedagogical approach that uses interactive scenarios to enhance knowledge and understanding. By placing yourself in realistic situations where you have to apply knowledge and make decisions, SBL encourages a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Initial prompt for a Medical School student:

[I'm a trainee doctor looking to practice my diagnostic skills. Can you provide a medical scenario with a patient's presentation for me to evaluate?]

The generative AI will then create a scenario for you to review. 

You then give your diagnosis decision and follow up. For example; 

[Given the patient's presentation, I'm leaning towards iron-deficiency anaemia. Can you provide differential diagnoses to consider and potential causes for such a condition in a male of this age?]

This process encourages students to actively engage, analyse information, diagnose, and seek extended insights.  

Developing critical thinking skills requires understanding counterarguments and integrating them into study approaches.

To begin this exercise, you should first give the AI tool as much information as possible. 

Example statement for politics student

[After studying various electoral systems, I believe that the Proportional Representation (PR) system is superior to the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system because it ensures a more accurate representation of the public's voting preferences in the legislature. In PR, if a party wins 10% of the votes, it roughly secures 10% of the seats. This system prevents the possibility of a party winning a majority of seats without a majority of votes, which can occur in FPTP]

Example prompt to follow:
[Can you provide counterarguments or scenarios where FPTP might be seen as a preferable system?]

These exercises help develop skills that are invaluable in academic research, debating, and real-world decision-making.

Effective study planning is crucial for academic success. A well-structured study schedule can help you stay organised, reduce stress, and make the most of your learning experience. 

Generative AI, can help suggest a personalised study plan that caters to your individual needs, ultimately leading to an improved learning experience. 

Example prompt:

[I'm looking to optimise my study routine for the upcoming term. I have modules in [list of modules or courses], I typically study best in the evenings, and I have [X hours] available for study each day. Can you suggest a structured study schedule that balances these subjects and incorporates effective study techniques tailored to my preferences?]

Providing additional information, such as areas you may be struggling with, will also help the tool create a bespoke plan based on your learning needs, availability and constraints.