Generative AI (GenAI) can support your academic and study skills development in safe and effective ways. Used thoughtfully, AI can act like a study buddy — helping you brainstorm, organise, and make sense of complex information.
But remember: AI should never replace your own effort, critical thinking, or engagement with your course materials.
Always follow your assessment brief. It will specify whether you can use Generative AI (GenAI) in your work, and whether this must be acknowledged. Requirements may vary by module or programme. If there is any conflict between this guidance and your assessment brief, the brief takes priority. For details of the University’s official position, see Using AI: Rules and Responsibilities.
AI can help with a range of everyday study tasks.
Examples include:
Always use these outputs as starting points, not finished products.
You can also use AI to explain your own notes back to you, or to check whether your summary makes sense. Asking an AI to “quiz me on this topic” or “challenge my explanation” can help you spot gaps in your understanding (see Crafting effective prompts).
Example prompts you could try:
AI can also help break large tasks into smaller steps, which can make studying feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Some tools can even simulate peer feedback, but remember this is no substitute for real discussion with classmates or tutors.
AI can also adapt explanations to your learning style, suggest personalised study schedules, or act as a study partner to practise discussions.
Example prompts you could try:
AI can help you engage with your reading in practical ways.
You can use AI to:
For strategies tailored to complex journal articles, see AI for academic reading.
But remember: You are expected to read and analyse original materials. AI summaries are only a shortcut to help you get started.
Example prompts you could try:
“Summarise this article into five key points”
“Ask me three questions to check if I’ve understood this passage”
“Rephrase this paragraph in simpler language for a first-year student”
“Generate thought-provoking questions based on this article to help me reflect more deeply”
You can also use AI as a sounding board: ask it to pose counter-arguments or alternative interpretations of what you’ve read. This encourages you to think more critically, rather than simply accepting a summary at face value.
You can also ask AI to critique its own answer or explain its reasoning. This technique, sometimes called meta-prompting, helps you deepen your understanding by seeing strengths and weaknesses in the response (see [Evaluating AI-generated content]).
This approach connects to the Socratic method: learning through guided questioning rather than passive answers. By asking AI to probe your reasoning, reveal assumptions, or test your explanation, you can strengthen your critical thinking and develop deeper comprehension of complex texts.
Some tools can also support language learning, such as practising vocabulary, generating texts at different difficulty levels, or providing feedback on grammar and style (see [AI for academic reading] if you’re working with complex research texts).
Example prompts you could try:
AI can support your preparation for classes and lectures. For example:
AI can’t replace attendance or participation, but it can help you feel more prepared and confident going in.
Example prompts you could try:
AI can also help you reinforce and review material after a lecture or class. For example:
This works best if you first create your own revision materials, then compare them with what AI suggests.
Example prompts you could try:
AI is a study aid, not a shortcut. Keep in mind:
AI tools are developing rapidly, and new study applications are emerging. These are emerging uses — useful to know about, but not yet standard.
Some examples include:
Example prompts you could try:
When you can use AI as a study buddy do so by:
Remember: AI is a helper, not a substitute — always combine with your own effort and critical thinking. Think of it as a study buddy you can learn with, not a replacement for your own voice and ideas.
If you have questions or would like more support, email studyskills@abertay.ac.uk
Last modified by Student and Academic Services