Tired of last-minute cramming or pulling all-nighters? No worries, ChatGPT has your back. As a personal virtual tutor available 24/7, armed with the latest tech, it’s ready to accelerate your learning.
After years of experimenting with effective prompts, I’ve curated the top 7 prompts for ChatGPT (or Gemini, Claude, Copilot etc.) for busy learners to get the biggest “bang for the buck” for each minute spent learning. It’s a bit like the pill from the movie Limitless…
Keep in mind that ChatGPT – while generally helpful – can confidently output wrong answers. Thus, always critically review it and use it at your own discretion. Ever heard “use it or lose it”? It counts for your brain “muscles”, too. Instead, use AI in a complementary way, as if you’d work with a human tutor. Give enough context when using these prompts for more tailored responses: In each prompt you’ll see [brackets] asking for your input.
If you’re a pupil or student, make sure how you use AI is aligned with your organization’s rules. I don’t encourage you to use AI “to just do your homework” for ethical and practical reasons.
Table of Contents / Summary
Simplify Complex Concepts
What it is good for: This prompt is ideal to understand concepts that are “so difficult you don’t even know where to start”. It works well for anyone self-studying complex subjects, completing homework or attempting to understand new theories.
ChatGPT prompt template: “You’re my personal tutor. Can you explain the concept of [insert complex concept/theory] in simpler terms? Think of me as a curious student with a [high / medium / low] level of knowledge in [related field]. Explain it to me like I am [5, 10, 20, …] years old. Use analogies, simple language (i.e., short sentences, no jargon) and examples from everyday life to help me grasp the gist of it. Please summarize the main points in a few bullet points at the end.”
What to consider: Specify the exact topic you’re struggling with so ChatGPT can tailor the explanation specifically for you. Also, work iteratively with the chatbot, give feedback on which parts you understand or don’t. Then it can drill down where you need it.
Create a Custom Study Plan
What it is good for: Crafting a personalized study plan helps prioritize your tasks. It enables you to manage your time efficiently, ensuring you’re focusing on the right subjects at the right time.
ChatGPT prompt template: “You’re my personal tutor. Can you help me create a custom study plan? Do that based on my following inputs: My current course load: [course overview / syllabus]. My schedule: [context about your schedule and available time slots / how many hours per week?]. My preferred study times and style: [When and how can you study most effectively (morning, evening; videos, readings etc.)?], I need to balance my workload, including assignments, revision and exam preparation, over the next [number of weeks] weeks. Please assign more time to [subjects I find challenging or need to prioritize]. If you need any further inputs from me, ask.”
What to consider: Optionally, with “Custom GPTs” you could even directly connect ChatGPT to your digital calendar (if you have one) to automate any data transfer (e.g., “look for available time slots”). Otherwise you can use screenshots/photos, too. Finally, revisit this plan after a few weeks and check/adapt it concerning your weekly schedule (things change…)
Accelerate Your Research
What it is good for: This template is crafted to streamline your exploration of challenging research questions and areas. It ensures you find the relevant studies and insights but much faster.
ChatGPT prompt template: “You’re acting in the role of my personal research assistant. I’m currently researching [your topic here] and I’m looking for the most influential studies and articles in this field. Can you please conduct extensive online research (using your “Web Search”) and compile a [list/table] of key resources you find? In your research, please prioritize reputable sources [for example …]. Highlight the main findings or conclusions of these sources and any gaps in the research that could present opportunities for further study. Also add info on [specific aspects you’re interested in such as journal, authors, methods etc.] I want to have a comprehensive overview that’s both deep and wide, tailored to [specify the academic level, e.g., undergraduate, graduate] understanding.”
What to consider: Double-check the cited sources (via Google Scholar etc.) because this is an area where ChatGPT is famous for hallucinations. ChatGPT’s web search functionality is helpful here. For this particular use case, you may also consider specialized tools like Consensus’ AI-powered academic search engine. They also have one of the best performing Custom GPTs.
Breeze Through Learning Materials
What it is good for: Feeling swamped by your course readings? This prompt offers a streamlined approach to cut through the clutter, ensuring you capture the essence of complex materials quickly.
ChatGPT prompt template: “You’re my personal tutor. I’m currently buried under a mountain of reading for [specific subject/topic] and could use some help. Please digest the following texts for me: [input the texts you need summarized or attach the resp. document or URL]. Highlight the main arguments, contrasting viewpoints and summarize the conclusions. Output a structured [bullet point] format in clear and concise language. Please focus on this: [any specific questions, aspects or themes you’re particularly interested in?]. From my provided materials consider [all sources vs. subsets, e.g. chapter/page X of document Y]. Please recommend which parts of the provided sources are especially relevant to my question where I should dive deeper.”
What to consider: Use this as the starting point and then ask subsequent questions to dive deeper into the areas of your interest. For the parts particularly relevant to your area of interest, you should then review the original source materials. I personally enjoy doing this for my “private lifelong learning” with transcripts from longer videos, podcasts, etc. (incredible time-saver).
Create Flash Cards Faster
What it is good for: Flashcards are a tried-and-true method for memorizing facts and concepts, esp. if used like a “question catalog” for exam prep. This prompt is perfect for anyone looking to create personalized flashcards efficiently, without spending hours on writing them from scratch.
ChatGPT prompt template:
Step/prompt 1: “You’re acting in the role of my personal tutor. Could you help me convert my notes on [subject/topics] into a set of [X] flashcards? Here is the learning material: [copypaste the relevant materials or documents]. For now, please list all the main points of the material for which you intend to create a flashcard.”
Step/prompt 2: “Thanks. For each of these main points “[add a revised list with the main points]”, generate a question for the front and a concise answer for the back of the card. Aim for simplicity and clarity, making sure each flashcard can stand alone as a mini learning nugget. Also, if possible, categorize the flashcards by topics or chapters to streamline my review process.”
What to consider: Between steps 1 and 2, please review the list of suggested “main points” to ensure you get the flashcards you really need. Also, consider the format you prefer for your flashcards: Do you want them digital for use in an app (e.g. Anki), or a format easy to print/write on paper cards? Finally, incorporate the cards into your study plan (tip 2) and practice with “spaced repetition” (= key learning method).
Problem-Solving like Socrates
What it is good for: This method is particularly helpful when you’re dealing with tricky questions / problems that don’t have straightforward answers / solutions. Often used in education and coaching, the Socratic method challenges assumptions through a thoughtful dialogue. With ChatGPT, you have an intelligent and tireless partner ready to guide you through this process.
ChatGPT prompt template: “You’re my personal tutor. I’m faced with a challenging problem in [enter your topic], which involves [“copypaste” the description of the problem]. Let’s use the Socratic method to explore this. Start by asking clarifying questions to ensure thorough understanding of the problem. Then, guide me through a series of deeper questions aimed at challenging assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints. Our goal is to uncover underlying principles and arrive at novel solutions. Let’s keep the discussion focused on [specific aspects of the problem you wish to explore] and summarize the key insights we discover along the way.”
What to consider: Effectively framing your query enhances ChatGPT’s ability to assist you. Be ready to engage actively as the Socratic method requires a dynamic exchange of ideas. It’s not about seeking quick answers like “pls solve assignment X for me”. For “mathematical” questions, consider using domain-specific AI like “Wolfram Alpha” since LLMs are “not there yet”.
Instant Feedback from Your Virtual Coach
What it is good for: Wondering how your work measures up before the submission? This is where ChatGPT, your virtual coach, comes into play. Offering constructive feedback, it helps refine your arguments, writing style and ensures your work is coherent and compelling.
ChatGPT prompt template: “You’re acting in the role of my personal writing coach. I’ve just finished a draft of my [type of work, e.g., essay, article etc.] on [subject/topic]. My work aims to [describe the research question or purpose statement]. I’m working against the following expectations: [add description of the task or, if available, evaluation criteria/rubrics]. Could you give feedback on the structure, content and format of my work? Also, if there are any areas that seem weak or could be further developed, please point those out. Please respond in clear and succinct language, using an appropriate format (e.g., a list of bullet points or a table including criteria, your ratings and explanations/recommendations etc.)”
What to consider: Embrace the critiques offered as opportunities for growth and try not to let your ego get in your way. Also, “come back” to ChatGPT after implementing the suggested edits to seek its feedback on your revisions. This iterative interaction progressively refines your writing to excellence.
Wrap-up: Spice up Your Lifelong Learning!
Congrats. You now have a pocket-sized tutor to help your studying 24/7. With these 7 ChatGPT prompts (and generally effective “prompting” which is simpler than you think), your studying becomes more effective. You can gain extra time for the more joyful things, too. What a life hack.
However, bear in mind that (generative) artificial intelligence is only as effective as its user. To fully reap the benefits of these prompts, use AI to complement your learning style. Do not outsource too much brainwork to it. Keep experimenting and adjusting until you discover what works best for you.
Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. I’m eager to hear about your successes. Please share your setbacks with these and other prompts too!
Cheers,
John
What do you think?