Help with Studying and Organizing
Introduction
In school, the process seems straightforward: you receive the information, learn it, take a test, and pass the class. However, it's often more complex. How exactly do you learn the material? How do you prepare so you can do well on the test? How do you find the time to study when your schedule is so busy? Mastering these skills is crucial for success in any course and is a skillset you will use throughout your life. Let's see how AI can help with organizing, planning, and studying to enhance your learning experience.
Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that help you manage your time, stay organized, focus, and make good decisions. Think of it as the brain's "control center" that helps you plan, prioritize, and complete tasks effectively. Good executive functioning skills are important because they make it easier to stay on top of schoolwork, sports, and other activities, especially when things get busy or challenging. Studies have shown that strong executive functioning skills can lead to greater success later in life, from getting good grades to reaching career goals. By practicing these skills now—like managing your time well, keeping track of assignments, and staying focused—you’re setting yourself up for a successful future. Let's take a look at how AI can help us with our executive functioning skillset.
Using AI to Help with Executive Functioning
In this section, we will explore how to use ChatGPT to help with EF skills. You can sign up for a free account with ChatGPT at OpenAI.com Links to an external site.
Creating To-Do Lists and Prioritizing Tasks
Prompt Example: “I have a lot of homework and a test this week. Can you help me make a to-do list and suggest which tasks to focus on first?”
ChatGPT can help students break down tasks, organize them into a manageable list, and prioritize them based on deadlines and importance.
Planning and Scheduling Assignments
Prompt Example: “Can you help me make a plan to complete my project on [topic] by Friday?”
ChatGPT can help students outline a step-by-step schedule to meet deadlines, including milestones for long-term projects, so they can avoid last-minute stress.
Setting and Tracking Goals
Prompt Example: “I want to improve my grades in math. Can you help me set some specific goals and ways to track my progress?”
Students can use ChatGPT to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and create a tracking plan, making goal-setting more actionable and easier to monitor.
Managing Time and Avoiding Procrastination
Prompt Example: “I keep putting off my assignments. Can you give me some tips to start working on things earlier?”
ChatGPT can suggest time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique or setting small, achievable tasks, to help students avoid procrastination and build effective routines.
Breaking Down Large Tasks into Smaller Steps
Prompt Example: “I have a big essay to write. Can you help me break it down into smaller tasks?”
ChatGPT can help students divide large tasks into manageable steps, making it easier to approach challenging assignments and reducing overwhelm.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
Prompt Example: “What are some study techniques that can help me remember information better?”
ChatGPT can recommend study methods, like using flashcards, summarizing notes, or practicing active recall, which can improve focus and retention.
Building Organizational Systems
Prompt Example: “Can you help me set up a system to organize my school papers and assignments?”
ChatGPT can suggest systems for organizing materials, whether physical (like binders or folders) or digital (such as using specific apps or calendar tools). The most important part of an organizational system is finding one that works for you and that you will utilize regularly.
Improving Focus and Reducing Distractions
Prompt Example: “I get distracted easily when I do homework. Can you give me tips to stay focused?”
ChatGPT can provide practical advice for improving focus, such as creating a distraction-free workspace, using time-blocking techniques, and taking regular breaks.
Learning Self-Monitoring Techniques
Prompt Example: “Can you help me figure out ways to check my own work before I turn it in?”
ChatGPT can suggest ways to review and double-check work, such as creating a checklist for common errors or setting aside time to read through assignments slowly.
Setting Reminders and Establishing Routines
Prompt Example: “Can you help me set up a daily routine for my schoolwork and free time?”
ChatGPT can assist students in building a balanced routine that includes time for homework, study, breaks, and personal interests, helping them build structure into their day.
Using AI To Create Study Materials
One of the best ways to prepare for an upcoming exam and help alleviate test anxiety is to take practice tests in the same format your exam will be. ChatGPT can help you with this. Copy and paste the material you need to review and ask ChatGPT to create a practice test for you.
For example:
Sources
Microsoft Copilot. AI-Powered Bing Image Creator for images. Accessed June, 2024.
Open-AI. ChatGPT for editing assistance. Accessed June, 2024; October 2024.