BeginnerLesson 1 of 59 min read
AI as your private tutor
A course from the Academy: Learning and revising with AI
Go to the quiz ↓You're stuck on a concept: photosynthesis, fractions, the French Revolution or a spreadsheet formula. The textbook explains it one way, and that's exactly the way you don't get. AI can explain it ten different ways, at your pace, without ever losing patience. Whether you're at school, at university or retraining, it's its best use for learning, as long as you guide it well.
1. Tell it who you are and what you already know
An explanation is only good if it starts from your level. Tell it your age or school year, what you already know and exactly where you're stuck.
"I'm 16 and in high school. I understand what a function is, but I don't get what a derivative represents. Explain it in simple words, with no formula at first, then with an everyday example."
2. Ask it to rephrase, differently
If the first explanation doesn't click, don't just reread it. Ask for another angle:
- Simpler: "Explain it as if I were ten."
- Through examples: "Give me three concrete examples, from easiest to hardest."
- Through an image: "Compare it to something from everyday life."
- Through mistakes: "What mistakes do students often make with this?"
3. Ask it to ask the questions
This is the setting that changes everything. By default, AI gives the answer. But you learn far better by working things out yourself, guided by good questions. This is the Socratic method, named after the philosopher Socrates, who taught by asking questions rather than stating answers.
"I want to understand why we have seasons. Don't give me the answer. Ask me one question at a time, wait for my reply, and guide me until I work it out myself. If I'm wrong, give me a hint rather than the solution."
Some assistants offer a "study" or "learning" mode that already works this way. The names vary from one tool to another; if you can't find one, the request above does the same job.
4. Check that you've really understood
Understanding an explanation as you read it is not the same as being able to redo it. Always finish with:
"Now I'll explain it to you. Tell me what's wrong or missing in my explanation."
If you can explain it in your own words, you've got it.
Key takeaways
- Give your level, what you already know and where you're stuck.
- If it doesn't click, ask for another angle: simpler, an example, a comparison.
- Ask it to question you instead of giving you the answer.
- Finish by explaining it yourself: that's how you know you've understood.
Complete the lesson
A 4-question quiz: 3 correct answers are enough, plus an exercise to practise. It opens in the Academy, on this same lesson.
Take the quiz and complete the lesson Free. With an account, your progress is saved and leads to the course certificate.