ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI that can assist students in enhancing learning efficiency, understanding complex concepts, and completing academic tasks within the educational field. You can use ChatGPT for academic writing, course learning, homework assistance, exam preparation, and more. The free tier is available right away, and this complete guide includes practical tips, step-by-step tutorials, and real-world examples to help you master ChatGPT usage and boost learning efficiency!

Quick Start: Choose the Right Learning Mode

ChatGPT offers multiple learning modes. Choose based on your needs:

• Regular Chat Mode: Suitable for quick information lookup, simple Q&A, and brainstorming
• Study Mode (Study and learn): Suitable for deep concept understanding, homework help, and exam preparation
• Quizzes Mode: Suitable for self-testing, practice questions, and reinforcing knowledge points (available for Plus users)

When to Use Which Mode?

• Need quick answers → Regular mode
• Need to understand concepts → Study mode
• Need to test knowledge → Quizzes mode
• Need comprehensive learning → Use study mode first, then quizzes mode

ChatGPT Core Features: Usage Guide

How to Use Study Mode

Study Mode helps you work through problems step by step instead of just getting answers. It’s especially useful for homework help, test prep, and learning new topics.

How to Enable: Select “Study and learn” from tools in ChatGPT and ask your question.

Key Features:

• Interactive Prompts: Uses Socratic questioning to guide understanding and promote active learning
• Scaffolded Responses: Information is organized into easy-to-follow sections that highlight key connections
• Personalized Support: Lessons are tailored to your skill level
• Knowledge Checks: Includes quizzes and open-ended questions with personalized feedback

Usage Tips:

• Be specific about your learning goals or the problem you’re working on
• Engage with the questions and prompts—don’t just read the answers
• Use knowledge checks to identify weak areas
• Toggle study mode on for deep learning, off when you need quick answers

How to Use Quizzes Mode

Quizzes Mode generates question cards based on your input. It’s perfect for self-assessment, practice, and reinforcing knowledge points.

How to Enable: Select “Quizzes” from tools in ChatGPT, then provide a prompt describing what you want to quiz yourself on.

Example Prompts:

• “Create a 10-question math quiz for grade 8 students”
• “Generate a quiz on photosynthesis for biology review”
• “Make a 15-question history quiz about World War II”
• “Create a chemistry quiz on the periodic table”

Key Features:

• Automatic Question Generation: Creates questions based on topic and difficulty level
• Answer Judging: Automatically evaluates answers and provides immediate feedback
• Personalized Feedback: Provides explanations for correct and incorrect answers
• Flexible Format: Supports multiple choice, short answer, and other formats

Usage Tips:

• Be specific about the topic, difficulty level, and number of questions
• Use Quizzes Mode regularly after studying a topic
• Review feedback carefully to understand why answers are correct or incorrect
• Combine with Study Mode: learn first, then test
• Create quizzes for different subjects to maintain comprehensive review

Best Use Cases:

• Exam Preparation: Generate practice quizzes on test topics
• Regular Review: Test yourself on learned material to reinforce knowledge
• Identify Weak Areas: Use quiz results to identify topics needing more study
• Self-Assessment: Check understanding before moving to new material

How to Use Custom Learning GPTs

Custom learning modes in GPTs are “specialized tutors” built on top of the general Study Mode, using different roles and prompts. They provide more professional and focused learning experiences for specific scenarios.

Common Custom Learning Modes:

• Practice Coach GPT: Problem practice, problem-solving techniques, weak area training
• Flashcard Assistant GPT: Language learning, flashcards, memory techniques, spaced repetition
• Essay Tutor GPT: Academic writing, paper structure, literature review, citation formats
• Math Tutor GPT: Math tutoring, step-by-step problem solving, concept explanations, formula derivations
• Programming Mentor GPT: Programming education, code review, debugging, algorithm explanations, best practices

How to Use:

1. Click “Explore GPTs” in ChatGPT
2. Search for keywords like “learning,” “education,” “practice,” etc.
3. Select the appropriate GPT based on your learning needs
4. Chat with the custom GPT to receive professional guidance

Usage Tips:

• Clarify your learning goals and current level
• Ask targeted questions to leverage role characteristics
• Use general Study Mode first for basics, then custom GPTs for deeper specialization
• Try multiple GPTs to find the teaching style that suits you best

How to Design Effective Prompts

Principles: Provide context, clarify objectives, specify formats

Examples:

• ❌ Bad: “Help me write my paper”
• ✅ Good: “I need to write a 3000-word paper on AI applications in education, including: 1) Background 2) Case studies 3) Pros/cons analysis 4) Future outlook. Please first provide an outline structure.”

Usage Tips:

• The more specific your prompt, the better the response
• Include context about your learning level and goals
• Specify the format and structure you need
• Ask for examples and analogies when learning complex concepts

💡 More Prompt Templates: Visit the AI Study Prompts Library for ready-to-use prompts covering exam preparation, essay writing, note-taking, concept learning, and more. All prompts are compatible with ChatGPT Study Mode and can be copied directly.

Core Learning Scenarios and Practical Cases

Scenario 1: Academic Writing

Practical Process:

1. Use prompts to generate an outline: “I need to write a paper on [topic]. Please help me create a detailed outline”
2. Get key points and arguments for each section
3. Expand content step by step, requesting specific examples
4. Optimize and edit to ensure academic standards compliance

Related Prompts: “Create paper outline and structure” (available in the prompt library)

Scenario 2: Course Learning and Review

Related Prompts: “Explain concepts using Feynman technique,” “Build knowledge graph,” “Create flashcards” (available in the prompt library)

Using Study Mode:

After enabling Study Mode: “I need to understand [complex concept]. Can you help me learn it step by step?”

AI will:

• Ask about your existing knowledge
• Provide scaffolded explanations
• Check understanding through questions
• Build connections between concepts

Scenario 3: Homework and Programming

Programming Debugging Process:

1. Paste code and error messages
2. Request debugging: “Please identify the error and explain, provide a fix with comments”
3. After understanding the error, request optimization suggestions
4. Expand learning: ask about related concepts and best practices

Related Prompts: “Learn programming concepts” (available in the prompt library)

Scenario 4: Exam Preparation

Complete Process:

1. Organize materials: Input course content
2. Enable Study Mode: “I need to prepare for an exam on [topic]. Can you help me learn it step by step?”
3. Follow guidance: Answer AI’s assessment questions
4. Learn step by step: Follow explanations to understand gradually
5. Use Quizzes Mode: “Create 15 quiz questions on [topic]”
6. Identify weak areas: Focus on reviewing based on quiz results

Related Prompts: “Create exam study guide,” “Optimize study plan for multiple exams,” “Analyze past exam patterns,” “Generate exam-style questions” (available in the prompt library)

Important Notes

⚠️ Academic Integrity

• Do not submit AI-generated content directly: Always incorporate your own understanding and modifications
• Comply with institutional policies: Understand your school’s guidelines for AI tool usage
• Disclose AI assistance: If required, clearly indicate the use of AI tools

⚠️ Information Accuracy

• Verify critical details: Especially data, dates, names, etc.
• Cross-verify: Compare multiple sources to confirm information
• Consult authorities: Seek guidance from instructors or experts on critical questions
• Internet Search Feature: ChatGPT’s internet search can increase information credibility, but you need to verify the authenticity of information sources. Prioritize authoritative institutions, academic journals, and official releases. Be cautious about information from unknown sources

⚠️ Responsible Use

• Use as a learning tool: Employ for understanding, inspiration, and support—not as a substitute for critical thinking
• Maintain critical thinking: Question and validate AI responses
• Enhance personal skills: The ultimate goal is to improve your own learning capabilities

Subscription Plan Selection Guide

Feature	Free	Go (~$5/mo)	Plus ($20/mo)
GPT-5 Access	❌	✅ (80 msgs/3hr)	✅ (160 msgs/3hr)
Study Mode	✅	✅	✅
Quizzes Mode	❌	❌	✅
Image Generation	Limited	Limited	More quota
File Upload	Limited	✅ Enhanced	✅ Enhanced
Custom GPTs	❌	✅	✅
Deep Research	Limited	Limited	More quota
Video Generation (Sora)	Limited	Limited	More quota
Agent Mode	❌	❌	✅

Selection Recommendations:

• Free Tier: Suitable for first-time users to experience basic features
• ChatGPT Go: Suitable for students who need GPT-5 and multimodal tools, great value (~$5/month)
• ChatGPT Plus: Suitable for students who need Quizzes Mode, Deep Research, and video generation features ($20/month)

Summary

ChatGPT is a practical learning assistance tool. Key points:

✅ Choose the right mode: Use regular mode for quick answers, Study Mode for deep learning, Quizzes Mode for self-testing

✅ Design precise prompts: Provide context, clarify objectives, specify formats—the more specific, the better

✅ Iterate step by step: Don’t request complete content at once, get an outline first then refine gradually

✅ Verify information accuracy: Especially data, dates, names—cross-verify multiple sources

✅ Maintain academic integrity: Always incorporate your own understanding and modifications, comply with school policies

💡 Key Advice: Use ChatGPT as a learning partner, not an answer machine. Think first, then ask; understand principles, don’t copy directly. Combine Study Mode, precise prompts, and step-by-step iteration to comprehensively improve learning efficiency.