It seems that the team members at OpenAI—the creators of ChatGPT—have been listening to teacher concerns about students using generative AI for getting quick answers and completing homework in ways that bypass the learning process. In response, they have released a feature called study mode.
What is study mode?
Study mode is a new feature in ChatGPT designed to help guide users through the process of interactively learning new topics and finding the answers to questions step by step, rather than simply having the answers given to them with no effort. In a sense, it’s intended to act like a guiding teacher or tutor, and it’s meant for learning tasks like homework help, test prep, and entry points into new topics.
According to OpenAI, study mode was created in collaboration with teachers, scientists, and pedagogy experts to support deeper learning, including ”encouraging active participation, managing cognitive load, proactively developing metacognition and self reflection, fostering curiosity, and providing actionable and supportive feedback.”
To do this, study mode combines Socratic questioning, hints, and self-reflection prompts to guide the learning. It’s programmed to not provide answers directly, although students can switch study mode off in order to ask for a direct answer.
The lessons are tailored to the proper learning level through a series of pre-assessment questions. When applicable, ChatGPT also pulls context from previous chats in that user’s account.
Study mode conducts knowledge checks throughout the experience by using both quizzes and open-ended questions. It then offers personalized feedback to track progress, support knowledge retention, and help learners apply the knowledge to new contexts.
How does study mode work?
Step 1: Turn on study mode.
- Go to chatgpt.com and sign in with your OpenAI account.
- Under “Tools,” choose “Study and learn.”
Step 2: Enter a prompt.
- Type prompts like:
- “Help me study for my biology exam.”
- “Help me learn about figurative language.”
- “Quiz me on 18th century American history.”
- Provide context, such as your grade level.
- If you don’t, ChatGPT will ask you about yourself.
- These details help adapt the session to best meet your needs.
Step 3: Answer questions and interact.
- You might be offered various learning modes:
- Short explanations
- Custom quizzes
- Short essay prompts
- ChatGPT will offer feedback and guide you through the learning process.
- Adjust as needed.
- You can tweak study mode preferences anytime in the settings.
- Ask for specific types of study help.
What is it like to use study mode?
The following responses were generated using ChatGPT.
- It feels like a patient tutor who adapts as you go.
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- The conversation is step by step, starting with what you know.
- It checks for understanding often—but without judgment.
- If you make a mistake, it explains why gently, using it as a learning opportunity.
- It mixes explanation with engagement.
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- Study mode doesn’t just define terms—it gives examples, mini-quizzes, and writing challenges.
- You get to try things out and get feedback, which makes it feel more interactive than just reading.
- It tracks your progress and adjusts.
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- After each response, the AI updates its approach based on how confident or uncertain you seem.
- For example, when you said “not yet” for hyperbole and idiom, it zoomed in on those and skipped what you already knew.
- It mirrors effective teaching practices.
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- It uses:
- Formative checks, like matching questions and reflection prompts
- Scaffolded practice, starting with examples, then having you try
- Immediate feedback on incorrect answers, with reteaching built in
- It uses:
- Tone and trust matter.
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- The voice is supportive, casual but clear, and doesn’t make you feel bad if you get something wrong.
- This encourages students to keep trying rather than shutting down.
To see if ChatGPT’s study mode is right for you and your students, try it out for yourself at chatgpt.com.
AVID Connections
This resource connects with the following components of the AVID College and Career Readiness Framework:
- Instruction
- Rigorous Academic Preparedness
- Opportunity Knowledge
- Student Agency
- Insist on Rigor
- Break Down Barriers
Extend Your Learning
- Introducing Study Mode (OpenAI)
- ChatGPT (OpenAI)