OpenAI rolls out Study Mode to help learners break down problems into steps
The ChatGPT-maker noted that the new study mode was built in collaboration with teachers, scientists, and pedagogy experts. Study Mode is aimed at helping students tackle learning from a more critical standpoint even if they are using an AI chatbot for this purpose. The mode is designed to encourage active participation, manage cognitive load, develop metacognition/self-reflection, foster curiosity, and provide useful feedback.
The company provided chat-based examples of how students from across disciplines used the Study Mode to review old concepts, encounter new theories at their applicable skill level, or get introduced to a wholly new subject at a quick pace.
'When students engage with study mode, they're met with guiding questions that calibrate responses to their objective and skill level to help them build deeper understanding. Study mode is designed to be engaging and interactive, and to help students learn something—not just finish something,' said OpenAI in a blog post on Tuesday (July 29, 2025).
OpenAI noted that Study Mode was powered by custom system instructions, but added that the approach led to 'some inconsistent behavior and mistakes across conversations.'
OpenAI's Study Mode is available to logged-in Free, Plus, Pro, and Team users, with availability in ChatGPT Edu coming in some weeks.
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