How to Use ChatGPT to Accelerate Your Learning
“Am I just being lazy if I use ChatGPT?” “Is it cheating?”
These are common concerns when it comes to AI-powered learning. But instead of asking if you should use AI, a better question is: How can you use AI effectively?
AI isn’t replacing learning—it’s reshaping how we acquire knowledge. A recent poll found that 88% (almost 9 in 10) of UK university students now use AI tools like ChatGPT for assessments, up from just 53% last year. The shift is clear: AI is here to stay. So how can you harness it to accelerate your learning without compromising on understanding?
Let’s break it down using insights from Greg Brockman, co-founder and president of OpenAI.
1. Define a Clear Goal
ChatGPT has endless ways to answer a question, so it’s crucial to narrow down what you need. Instead of a vague request like “Help me with Science,” try:
✅ Science: “Explain the life cycle of a frog using simple terms suitable for a Primary 4 student, with examples.”
✅ Math: “Solve this Primary 5 problem sum step by step: ‘Ali has 36 marbles. He gives 1/4 of them to Ben and 1/3 to Charmaine. How many does he have left?’”
✅ English: “Create a short composition about ‘A Rainy Day’ for a Primary 3 student, using at least five adjectives.”
By being specific, you steer AI in the right direction, saving time and ensuring you get actionable insights.
2. Set the Right Return Format
The way information is presented can make or break your understanding. If you’re summarizing a book, do you want bullet points, a paragraph, or a dialogue-style breakdown?
For example:
💡 Science: “Summarise the three states of matter in a table, comparing their shape, volume, and particle arrangement.”
💡 Math: “Give me a step-by-step explanation of how to do long division, in bullet points.”
💡 English: “Rewrite this sentence in three different ways: ‘The boy quickly ran to school.’”
Customising the output format makes the information easier to digest and apply.
3. Give AI Constraints (Warnings)
AI doesn’t think like you—it follows instructions. That’s why guidelines matter. If past explanations were too complex, add a constraint:
🚫 Math: “Explain how to find the area of a triangle, but do NOT use advanced algebra—keep it at a Primary 5 level.”
✅ Science: “Describe how plants make food, as if you were teaching a Primary 3 student. Use simple words.”
🚫 English: “Rewrite this paragraph using only words a Primary 2 student would understand.”
By telling AI what not to do, you get a response that is better tailored to your needs.
4. Provide Context for Better Answers
AI isn’t a mind reader. The more context you provide, the more relevant and insightful its responses become. If you’re studying for an exam:
📌 Science: “I have a test on the water cycle. Can you quiz me with five multiple-choice questions based on Primary 4 science syllabus?”
📌 Math: “I keep getting confused with fractions. Can you explain it with a real-life example, like sharing a pizza?”
📌 English: “I need to write an oral presentation about ‘My Favourite Hobby’ for a Primary 5 speech. Can you draft a one-minute script?”
This makes ChatGPT a learning assistant rather than just an answer machine.
The Bottom Line
ChatGPT isn’t a shortcut—it’s a tool. When used strategically, it amplifies learning, accelerates research, and sharpens thinking. The key is knowing how to ask the right questions.
So next time you open ChatGPT, don’t just ask for an answer. Ask for the right answer, in the right format, with the right context. That’s how you make AI work for you. 🚀
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