On Tuesday, OpenAI unveiled a new study mode for its artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT. This mode aims to support students with their homework, exam preparation, and exploration of new subjects while avoiding direct answers. The feature is accessible to all users who are logged in, employing various educational frameworks to help students analyze questions, formulate their own solutions, and receive guidance to navigate their learning process. Notably, the launch of this feature follows closely on the heels of Google’s release of its education-focused chatbot, Gemini.
Study Mode Introduced in ChatGPT
OpenAI announced the implementation of study mode in a blog post from its headquarters in San Francisco. This enhancement will be available to logged-in users across all service tiers, including free, Plus, Pro, and Team subscriptions. The company has indicated plans to introduce the feature within the ChatGPT Edu tier in the upcoming weeks. OpenAI characterizes the study mode as an interactive learning experience that guides users through solving problems step by step.
Study mode on ChatGPT
Photo Credit: OpenAI
This study mode can be accessed from the Tools menu in ChatGPT, which also includes features like Canvas and Deep Research. Users can select the new “Study and learn” option to activate study mode, which prompts the AI to engage users without providing direct answers, instead encouraging them to derive solutions themselves.
According to OpenAI, this innovative tool is driven by custom system instructions designed by its developers. These instructions were crafted in collaboration with educators, scientists, and experts in pedagogy to foster active learning, promote metacognition and self-reflection, and spark curiosity among users.
In practice, the study mode employs interactive prompts based on Socratic questioning methods. It breaks down complex information into manageable sections, tailors lessons to the user’s skill level and grade, and incorporates quizzes and open-ended questions to evaluate user progress. Users can easily toggle the study mode on and off with a simple selection.
With this new study mode, OpenAI appears to be addressing ongoing concerns regarding the role of AI in education, particularly its potential to hinder students’ learning and skills development. However, it is worth noting that the mode does not include parental controls or account restrictions, meaning students can still opt for straightforward answers from ChatGPT if they choose.
