Utilizing ChatGPT for academic pursuits: Tips for students to optimize AI use for improved learning
The latest update to ChatGPT, the popular AI model, introduces Study Mode - a feature designed to revolutionise the way students learn and interact with AI. This innovative mode shifts the focus from merely providing answers to guiding students through the learning process step by step [1][2][5].
Key features of ChatGPT's Study Mode include:
- Socratic questioning: Instead of delivering answers, ChatGPT asks guiding questions to prompt critical thinking [1][2].
- Personalised hints and scaffolded explanations: The mode offers tailored hints and breaks down complex ideas into manageable parts, aiding students in grasping difficult concepts [1].
- Progress checks: Interactive checkpoints are included to monitor understanding and engagement [1].
- Adaptability: Users can toggle Study Mode on or off at any time, making it flexible to various learning needs and goals [1].
- Expert-led development: The mode was developed in collaboration with teachers, learning scientists, and pedagogy experts, incorporating research-backed behaviours such as managing cognitive load, fostering curiosity, and promoting metacognition and self-reflection [2][5].
- Active participation encouragement: Rather than doing the work for students, it encourages them to think critically about their learning process [2].
- Versatility: Study Mode supports a broad range of subjects, including test prep, homework help, essays, math, and even real-life decision-making [1][4].
Study Mode's primary aim is to offer an engaging, interactive, and effective learning experience, encouraging students to actively participate, understand concepts deeply, and develop skills beyond rote answers [1][2][5].
While Study Mode does not claim to know everything, it serves as a valuable tool for students, helping them to know more. This new approach to AI learning aligns with a growing trend where tools are beginning to take responsibility for how they're used [3].
Google's AI Mode, in response, is also introducing persistent "Canvas" workspaces and live video search to support students, mirroring OpenAI's efforts to push users towards more meaningful engagement with Study Mode [3]. The development of Study Mode involved input from teachers, curriculum designers, and researchers, including experts from Stanford and over 40 other institutions [2].
With Study Mode, ChatGPT is taking a significant step towards AI that teaches, rather than just tells. It's a promising step towards a future where AI can become a powerful learning tool for students, guiding them towards real understanding.
[1] OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT Study Mode: A New Approach to AI Learning. Retrieved from https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt-study-mode/
[2] Stanford University. (2025). Collaborating on ChatGPT's New Study Mode. Retrieved from https://ai.stanford.edu/news/collaborating-chatgpts-new-study-mode/
[3] The Verge. (2025). Google's AI Mode responds to ChatGPT's Study Mode with new features. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/7/29/22657238/google-ai-mode-study-mode-response-features
[4] EdTech Magazine. (2025). How ChatGPT's Study Mode is Changing the Education Landscape. Retrieved from https://edtechmagazine.com/article/how-chatgpts-study-mode-changing-education-landscape
[5] The Guardian. (2025). ChatGPT's Study Mode: A Game Changer for AI in Education. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/jul/29/chatgpts-study-mode-a-game-changer-for-ai-in-education
Technology has revolutionized the way students learn through AI, as demonstrated by ChatGPT's new Study Mode. This feature, developed in collaboration with education experts, encourages active participation, deep understanding, and self-development in students. By guiding learners step by step with Socratic questioning, personalized hints, and progress checks, ChatGPT's Study Mode enhances the learning process beyond mere answer provision.
