OpenAI is rolling out a new Study Mode for ChatGPT, a feature designed to help students better understand complex topics. Similar to Anthropic’s Claude, this new mode will see ChatGPT adopt a Socratic approach to conversations. Instead of providing direct answers, the chatbot will guide the user toward their own solutions by asking initial questions to gauge their understanding and objectives.
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Conversations in Study Mode will follow a “scaffold” structure, where information is introduced incrementally to prevent the user from being overwhelmed. OpenAI developed this feature in collaboration with teachers, scientists, and pedagogy experts. It operates using a series of custom system instructions rather than a new model, which allows the company to quickly iterate based on user feedback. OpenAI plans to eventually train this behaviour directly into its main models once it learns what works best.
Interestingly, Study Mode is being made available first to logged-in users of Free, Plus, Pro, and Team versions of ChatGPT. Edu subscribers will gain access in the coming weeks. A simple toggle allows users to easily turn the feature on and off.
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While the new mode aims to be a helpful educational tool, it comes at a time when AI cheating in schools is a growing concern. For its part, OpenAI is focused on making Study Mode more engaging and useful. The company is exploring future enhancements, including deeper personalization, goal setting, and progress tracking across conversations.
