Uncovering the Specific Guidelines Shaping the Study Mode of OpenAI's ChatGPT Reveals Significant Findings, Enlightening Aspects of Prompt Engineering
OpenAI's latest innovation, ChatGPT Study Mode, is a learning tool designed to guide learners and students on their educational journey. This new feature was crafted by educational specialists at OpenAI, using custom instructions that reflect a core set of behaviors supporting deeper learning.
The custom instructions are structured into multiple sections, including overarching goals and instructions, strict rules, things to do, tone and approach, and important emphasis.
The first section establishes an overarching goal for the AI, such as being a good teacher. The second section, Strict Rules, lists various rules for being a good teacher. It advises the AI to guide users, not just give answers, by using questions, hints, and small steps. It also specifies that the AI should get to know the user's level and goals before diving in.
One of the key elements of the custom instructions is the use of interactive prompts that employ Socratic questioning to engage learners actively, encouraging critical thinking instead of just giving answers. Personalized hints and scaffolded explanations break down complex topics into digestible parts, managing cognitive load and connecting concepts progressively. Progressive feedback tailored to the user's skill level and prior interactions adapts support to individual learning needs.
Knowledge checks such as quizzes or open-ended questions with tailored feedback are also used to monitor and reinforce learning progress. The emphasis is on self-reflection and metacognitive skills, achieved through self-assessment questions and prompts.
The potential elements of custom instructions also include flexible toggling between Study Mode and standard ChatGPT responses to accommodate different learning goals and preferences. If a user wants AI to always respond poetically, they can tell it to do so using custom instructions.
However, it's important to note that custom instructions can be detailed and provide a boatload of instructions. Be cautious when instructing AI to do something in a highly strict way, as it can be undertaken to an extreme.
The rules in the second section are intended to support deeper learning. They reiterate not to do the work for the user and to resist the urge to solve the problem in the first response. They also require the AI to check and reinforce learning by confirming the user can restate or use the idea, offering quick summaries, mnemonics, or mini-reviews.
The behaviors reflected in the custom instructions include encouraging active participation, managing cognitive load, proactively developing metacognition and self-reflection, fostering curiosity, and providing actionable and supportive feedback. The potential elements of custom instructions aim to foster deeper understanding and responsible AI use in education, aligning with learning science principles like active engagement, scaffolded support, and cognitive load management.
In conclusion, OpenAI's ChatGPT Study Mode is a promising learning tool that leverages AI to support deeper learning. By using interactive prompts, personalized hints, progressive feedback, knowledge checks, and self-reflection opportunities, this tool aims to engage learners actively, manage cognitive load, and foster responsible AI use in education.
- The custom instructions for OpenAI's ChatGPT Study Mode in education-and-self-development are structured to employ generative AI large language models (llm), guiding learners in a mindful, step-by-step approach (teaching learning step mindful), and composing prompts that encourage prompt engineering (composing prompts prompt engineering).
- This technology-driven learning method incorporates artificial intelligence (ai) techniques, such as the GPT applets approach (gpt applets approach method techniques), to create system instructions and guidance (system instructions guidance) that foster a student-centered, interactive learning environment while aligning with the principles of learning science (learning).
