ChatGPT is a generalistics large language model (LLM), which means that it can be used for a wide range of tasks, and can be helpful to a large demographic of users. While many believe it to be a useful tool for professionals, students can also use it to better learn about complex topics and find ways to manage their time, especially before an important exam. Here, we have provided the top five ChatGPT prompts for students that is sure to assist them in their daily studies.
Disclaimer: Before going any further, we should highlight that ChatGPT, or for that matter any other AI chatbot, should not be used to cheat in assignments or homework. Doing so will only harm the cognitive ability of students, and ensure that they do not learn critical thinking and other skills that will help them throughout their life. The idea is to use the chatbot as an assistant to further the educational growth, and not to use it as their proxy.
With that being said, the following prompts go beyond the typical “summarise this text” and “find key points from this essay/chapter,” and converts the AI tool into a tutor that helps students build understanding of different topics and develop skillsets to master different subjects.
Top Five ChatGPT Prompts for Students
Prompt to Help Improve Your Understanding of a Topic
Prompt: Act as a subject matter expert and challenge my understanding of [topic] by asking increasingly difficult questions, one at a time.
Why this works: This prompt turns ChatGPT into a tutor who asks viva-style questions to not only test students’ comprehension but also to reveal weak spots. In case students come across questions that are too difficult, they can also ask the AI to tell them the answer and explain it.
Prompt to Help Develop Critical Thinking
Prompt: Compare and contrast the arguments for and against [controversial topic] using evidence from academic sources. Present both sides neutrally.
Why this works: This will help students develop essay structure, balanced reasoning, and awareness about how to use citations. This is also useful to develop a neutral understanding of a subjective topic.
Prompt to Learn Mathematical Concepts Using the Socratic Method
Prompt: Help me solve this problem step-by-step by asking guiding questions at each stage. Don’t give me the answer directly. Wait for my response before moving to the next step. Here’s the problem: [insert problem]
Why this works: Also known as scaffolded learning, this prompt will guide students step by step and nudge them in the right direction without providing the answer outright. This will help them understand how mathematical concepts work instead of just memorising formulas and theorems.
Prompt for Study Plans and Time Management
Prompt: “I have 6 hours of study time a day. Design a schedule based on the Pomodoro Technique and space repetition for [subjects/topics].”
Why this works: This prompt uses two research-backed productivity techniques develop a study plan that works with students’ goals and requirements. Students can further improve the prompt by adding their daily schedule, any weak points, and deadlines.
Prompt to Write Better Essays and Research Papers
Prompt: Simulate a peer-review of this abstract, pointing out flaws in logic, clarity, or structure.
Why this works: This ChatGPT prompt mimics real academic process and uses the chatbot as a critical, structured reader to help students improve the logic, clarity, and structure of the paper. It also helps them catch any blind spot as well as makes them more accepting of constructive criticism.
