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How to best use ChatGPT for school learning

Updated: Feb 19, 2023


According to Wikipedia, "ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a chatbot launched by OpenAI in November 2022. It is built on top of OpenAI's GPT-3 family of large language models and is fine-tuned (an approach to transfer learning) with both supervised and reinforcement learning techniques."


You can use ChatGPT for free at OpenAI's website:


Since ChatGPT uses huge amount of training data, there will be lots of unexpected use cases that even the designers haven't noticed. The only limitation for ChatGPT is that it can't learn by itself. Otherwise it could be more powerful.


ChatGPT can be very useful for better school learning if you know how to best use it. It should be good enough for assisting primary school and middle school learning.


Part 1: Learning math


The best way to learn math is to understand the concepts and do more practices to have a good command of the concepts.


For example, if you want to learn how to do "addition", you can ask ChatGPT: "how to understand addition?" Then you will get a pretty good answer:


"Addition is a mathematical operation that combines two or more numbers to form a larger number, called the sum. The process of addition is simple: you line up the numbers you want to add and then start from the right-most digit, adding each column of digits starting from the rightmost column and moving left. If the sum of two digits in a column is greater than or equal to 10, you write down the ones digit and carry over the tens digit to the next column.


Here's an example to illustrate the process of addition:


89

+ 36

-------

125


In this example, you start by adding the right-most digits (9 + 6), which equal 15. You write down the 5 and carry over the 1. Then you add the next two columns (8 + 3 + 1), which equal 12. You write down the 2 and carry over the 1. Finally, you add the last two columns (1 + 1), which equal 2.

It's also important to understand that addition is commutative, meaning that the order in which you add numbers does not matter. For example, 5 + 2 is the same as 2 + 5. Addition is also associative, meaning that you can regroup the numbers being added without changing the sum. For example, (3 + 4) + 5 is the same as 3 + (4 + 5).


Practice is key to understanding addition, so I encourage you to keep working on addition problems to improve your skills."


After you understand the concept, you can do some practices by asking ChatGPT: "generate some math problems for addition", then you will get about 10 questions to resolve.


"Sure! Here are some simple addition problems:

  1. 7 + 8 =

  2. 12 + 9 =

  3. 4 + 6 =

  4. 18 + 7 =

  5. 23 + 9 =

And here are some more challenging ones:

  1. 97 + 42 =

  2. 167 + 298 =

  3. 789 + 654 =

  4. 1024 + 512 =

  5. 12345 + 67890 = "

After doing this, you can just click "Regenerate response" to get another sets of questions.


Lots of people buy lots of math practice books for drilling. Basically, ChatGPT can do it pretty good for free.


Part 2: Learning science


The best way to learn science is to understand the basic concepts and mechanisms, and how to use those concepts to solve real problems in life.


For example, if you want to understand about Newton's Laws of Motion, you can ask ChatGPT: "how to understand Newton's Laws of Motion?" Then you will get a pretty good answer:


"Newton's Laws of Motion are three fundamental principles that describe the relationship between the motion of an object and the forces acting on it. These laws were first published by Sir Isaac Newton in 1687 and are still widely used to explain the motion of objects in physics today.

Here is a brief overview of each of the three laws:

  1. Law of Inertia: An object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will remain in motion with a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force. This means that an object will resist changes in its state of motion.

  2. Law of Acceleration: The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. Mathematically, this can be written as F = ma, where F is the net force, m is the mass of the object, and a is its acceleration.

  3. Law of Action and Reaction: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that whenever one object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal and opposite force back. This is known as Newton's Third Law of Motion and is often described as 'for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.'

These laws can be used to explain the motion of objects under different conditions and to solve problems in mechanics and physics. To understand Newton's Laws of Motion, it is important to study the mathematical and conceptual foundations of these laws and to practice applying them to various problems and situations."


After you understand the concept, you can do some practices by asking ChatGPT: "generate some problems for Newton's Laws of Motion", then you will get about 10 questions to resolve.


"Here are some simple problems to test your understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion:

  1. A 2 kg object is pushed by a force of 10 N. What is the acceleration of the object?

  2. A 5 N force is applied to a 2 kg object. What is the resulting acceleration?

  3. A 4 N force is applied to an object with a mass of 1 kg. What is the resulting acceleration?

  4. An object with a mass of 3 kg is at rest. What force is required to set it in motion?

  5. A 5 N force is applied to an object with a mass of 2 kg. What is the resulting velocity after 5 seconds?

And here are some more challenging problems:

  1. A car of mass 1000 kg is moving with a velocity of 20 m/s and is subjected to a force of 5000 N. What is the resulting acceleration of the car?

  2. A 10 N force is applied to an object of mass 5 kg. What is the velocity of the object after 2 seconds if it starts from rest?

  3. A 4 N force is applied to an object of mass 2 kg. What is the velocity of the object after 3 seconds if it starts from rest?

  4. A 2 N force is applied to an object of mass 3 kg. What is the velocity of the object after 4 seconds if it starts from rest?

  5. A rocket of mass 5000 kg is launched from rest with a constant upward force of 200,000 N. What is the velocity of the rocket after 10 seconds? "

After doing this, you can just click "Regenerate response" to get another sets of questions.


For science, you also need to understand how to use those concepts to solve real world problems. You can ask ChatGPT: "How to use Newton's Laws of Motion to solve real problems?" Then you will get a pretty good answer.


"Newton's Laws of Motion can be used to solve a wide variety of real-world problems in physics, engineering, and other fields. To use these laws effectively, it is important to have a clear understanding of the problem and to know how to apply the laws to the specific situation. Here are some general steps for using Newton's Laws of Motion to solve problems:

  1. Identify the objects and forces involved: Start by identifying all of the objects involved in the problem and the forces acting on each object.

  2. Draw a free-body diagram: A free-body diagram is a diagram that shows all of the forces acting on an object. By drawing a free-body diagram, you can see the net force acting on an object, which is the sum of all the forces acting on the object.

  3. Choose a coordinate system: Choose a coordinate system that makes sense for the problem. For example, you may choose to use a coordinate system with the positive x-axis pointing in the direction of the net force, or a coordinate system with the positive y-axis pointing upward.

  4. Apply Newton's Laws of Motion: Use the appropriate law to find the acceleration, velocity, or position of the object.

  5. Solve for unknowns: Use the equations derived from Newton's Laws of Motion to find the unknown variables in the problem.

  6. Check your solution: Check your solution by making sure that the units and dimensions are correct, and that the answer makes physical sense for the problem.

These steps can be applied to a wide range of problems, from simple problems involving a single object to more complex problems involving multiple objects and forces. To get better at solving problems with Newton's Laws of Motion, it is helpful to practice with a variety of problems and to seek help from a teacher or tutor when necessary. "


Part 3: Learning language


ChatGPT can be helpful for developing grammar, reading and writing skills.


For example, if you want to learn about "past perfect tense", you can ask ChatGPT: "How to understand past perfect tense?" Then you will get a pretty good answer:


"The past perfect tense is a verb tense used to describe actions that were completed before a specific time in the past. The past perfect is formed by using the auxiliary verb "had" followed by the past participle of the main verb. For example, "I had eaten breakfast before I left for work."

To understand the past perfect tense, it is helpful to know the following:

  1. Purpose: The past perfect tense is used to describe a completed action that happened before another action in the past. The past perfect action provides a background for the past action.

  2. Time frame: The past perfect tense describes an action that was completed before a specific time in the past.

  3. Structure: The structure of a sentence in the past perfect tense is subject + auxiliary verb "had" + past participle of the main verb.

  4. Use with "before": The past perfect tense is often used in combination with the word "before" to describe actions that were completed before a specific time or event in the past.

  5. Practice: To understand the past perfect tense, it is important to practice using it in writing and speaking, and to pay attention to the context in which it is used.

By understanding the purpose, time frame, structure, and use of the past perfect tense, you will be able to use it effectively to describe past events and actions in a clear and concise manner. "


After you understand the concept, you can do some practices by asking ChatGPT: "generate some problems for past perfect tense", then you will get about 10 questions to resolve.


"Here are some problems to practice the past perfect tense:

  1. By the time we arrived at the airport, the flight __________ (already/take off).

  2. I __________ (not/finish) my homework before I went to bed.

  3. The movie __________ (start) by the time we got to the theater.

  4. She __________ (not/eat) breakfast before she left for work.

  5. The sun __________ (rise) by the time we reached the top of the mountain.

  6. They __________ (not/arrive) at the party before it ended.

  7. I __________ (not/see) him since I was a child.

  8. The students __________ (complete) their exams before they went on vacation.

  9. She __________ (not/meet) him until she moved to the city.

  10. The game __________ (end) by the time we got to the stadium.

Answers:

  1. already took off

  2. had not finished

  3. had started

  4. had not eaten

  5. had risen

  6. had not arrived

  7. had not seen

  8. had completed

  9. had not met

  10. had ended "

After doing this, you can just click "Regenerate response" to get another sets of questions.


For developing reading skills, you can just ask ChatGPT like: "generate some problems for SSAT reading", then you will get some questions to solve.


"Here are some problems to practice SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) reading comprehension skills:


1. Read the following passage: 'The human brain is a complex and fascinating organ that controls every aspect of our lives. It weighs about three pounds and is made up of more than 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons, which communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. These signals allow us to think, feel, and respond to our surroundings. The brain is also responsible for regulating our body's functions, such as breathing, heartbeat, and temperature. Scientists are still trying to understand the full potential of the human brain, but it is clear that it is an essential part of who we are and how we experience the world.'

Questions:

  • What is the human brain responsible for controlling?

  • How does the human brain communicate with itself?

  • What are some functions regulated by the human brain?

  • How much does the human brain weigh?

  • What is the purpose of the passage?

2. Read the following passage: 'The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Located in Arizona, USA, it is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. The canyon was formed over millions of years by the erosion of the Colorado River and its tributaries. The Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year who come to admire its breathtaking views and unique geological formations. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and rattlesnakes. The Grand Canyon is a testament to the power of nature and the wonders it can create.'

Questions:

  • Where is the Grand Canyon located?

  • How was the Grand Canyon formed?

  • What is the Grand Canyon known for?

  • How long is the Grand Canyon?

  • What is the purpose of the passage?

These problems are designed to test a student's ability to understand and analyze what they have read. It is important to encourage students to read critically, ask questions, and make connections between the text and their own experiences. "


After doing this, you can just click "Regenerate response" to get another sets of questions.


For developing writing skills, you can ask ChatGPT to write a sample for a topic, so that you can better understand how to write any topics. For example, you can ask ChatGPT: "Writing an essay: 'If you could travel to a place you've never been before, where would you go and why?' " You will get a sample writing with a very good structure:


"If I could travel to a place I've never been before, I would go to the Amazon Rainforest in South America. This vast, lush jungle is not only one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems on Earth, but it is also home to a wealth of unique flora and fauna, as well as indigenous communities with rich cultural traditions.


The Amazon Rainforest is also a critical component of the global climate system, as it acts as a "carbon sink," absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to regulate the Earth's temperature. Given the growing threats posed by climate change, I would love to witness this important natural resource firsthand and learn more about the ways in which it is being impacted by human activities.


In addition to its environmental significance, the Amazon Rainforest is also a place of great beauty and wonder. I would love to explore its lush canopies and winding rivers, searching for the diverse range of species that call this place home. I would also like to meet and learn from the indigenous communities that have lived in harmony with this ecosystem for centuries, learning about their customs, traditions, and ways of life.


In conclusion, if I could travel to a place I've never been before, I would choose the Amazon Rainforest. This vast and diverse ecosystem is a place of great beauty, wonder, and ecological significance, and I would be honored to explore it and learn from those who call it home. "


After doing this, you can just click "Regenerate response" to get another writing example. This will help to expand your thoughts significantly. The more you read writing examples, you have better understanding about how to write for any topics.


Part 4: Learning programming


It's quite amazing that ChatGPT could be the best way to teach primary school and middle school students to learn programming.


You can ask questions about any concepts in programming, such as "how to understand variable in programming?", then you will get a good explanation:


"A variable in programming is a named storage location for storing data values. It acts as a container that can store a value that can be changed or updated later in the program. Variables are used to store data, such as numbers, strings, and arrays, which can be manipulated and used in various parts of the program.

The following are some key concepts related to variables in programming:

  1. Declaration: Variables must be declared before they can be used in a program. The declaration specifies the type of data that the variable will store (e.g., integer, string, etc.), as well as the name of the variable.

  2. Naming Conventions: Variables should be given descriptive names that reflect their purpose in the program. Common naming conventions include using camelCase, snake_case, or PascalCase.

  3. Data Types: Different programming languages have different data types that can be stored in variables, such as integers, floating-point numbers, strings, arrays, and others. The data type of a variable determines the range of values that can be stored in it and how it will be processed by the program.

  4. Initialization: Variables must be initialized with a value before they can be used in a program. This sets a starting value for the variable, which can be changed later in the program.

  5. Scope: Variables have a scope, which determines where they can be accessed and used in a program. Some variables are accessible throughout the entire program, while others are only accessible within a specific function or block of code.

In summary, variables are a fundamental concept in programming that allow programs to store and manipulate data. Understanding variables, their data types, and their scope is essential for writing effective and efficient programs. "


In fact, the best part is that ChatGPT can write the real codes. For example, you can ask "generate a code in Basic language for calculating the first 20 fibonacci numbers", then you will get the codes and some explanations:


"Here's an example of code in BASIC language for calculating the first 20 Fibonacci numbers:


10 PRINT "Fibonacci sequence:"

20 LET a = 0

30 LET b = 1

40 PRINT a

50 PRINT b

60 FOR i = 1 TO 18

70 LET c = a + b

80 PRINT c

90 LET a = b

100 LET b = c

110 NEXT i

120 END


This code uses a simple loop and variables to keep track of the previous two numbers in the sequence and calculate the next number at each iteration. The first two numbers in the sequence, 0 and 1, are printed, and then the loop runs 18 times to calculate and print the next 18 numbers in the sequence. "


This will help to expand your thoughts significantly. The more you read coding examples, you have better understanding about how to write for any codes.



In conclusion, ChatGPT can be very useful for better school learning. You can use it to better understand a concept and do more practices.



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