Revising for exams
Generative AI tools can help you revise in a variety of ways. Like any form of revision, some ways of using it are more effective than others.
Learning benefits of revising for exams:
Exams are generally used as a way of assessing what you’ve learnt, but the study you do for your exams can also be very useful to help you learn. In particular, repeated practice of applying knowledge can help you:
- remember concepts better;
- understand them more deeply;
- understand how to apply your knowledge in a variety of situations;
- more quickly retrieve information from your memory in situations when you need it.
Impact of GenAI on revising for learning:
As long as you’re using GenAI to help you revise rather than just provide answers, it can be an extremely beneficial tool to assist in your learning.
It will be most effective if you:
- use it in ways that require you to practice applying knowledge rather than just remembering facts;
- respond to questions in as much detail as possible without first looking at the answers;
- check your answers to see whether you adequately answered every part of the question.
Strategies for using GenAI
1. Generate the same types of questions you’ll be asked in the exam
Obviously, this requires you to know what types of questions you’re going to be asked (e.g. multiple choice, short answer, essay-style responses), so if you’re not sure, ask your teacher. Also, you’ll need to know if the answers you give are correct, which may require checking your notes, lecture materials or textbook.
Example Prompt:
Write ten multiple choice questions on the following topics relating to cell biology and genetics:
- Modeling of Biochemical Systems
- Structural Modeling and Analysis of Biochemical Networks
- Kinetic Models of Biochemical Networks
- Gene Expression Models
| Part of ChatGPT responses (30/06/2023) |
|---|
1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of modeling biochemical systems in cell biology and genetics? |
a) To predict the behavior of biological systems based on mathematical and computational simulations. b) To modify the genetic code of organisms to create new functionalities. c) To visualize the structure of DNA molecules. d) To study the effects of environmental factors on cell growth. |
2. What is the main objective of structural modeling and analysis of biochemical networks? |
a) To determine the optimal conditions for gene expression. b) To identify key molecules and interactions within a biological system. c) To analyze the physical properties of DNA molecules. d) To study the evolution of cellular structures. |
2. Use it to give feedback on your answer
Especially if the question requires a longer response, it can be useful to enter the question and your response, then ask for feedback on how effectively you’ve responded. As always, you should also seek other sources of feedback to confirm the accuracy of your answers, such as your own notes, textbooks, or classmates.
Example Prompt:
I want you to act as an expert on macroeconomics. I'm going to write a response to a practice exam question relating to macroeconomics, and I want you to give feedback on my answer. Specifically, I want you to tell me if the information I provide is correct, and whether there's any additional information I should add.
(The example question was then entered, along with a response to that question).
| Part of ChatGPT’s Response (30/06/2023): |
|---|
Your answer provides a reasonable analysis of the relationship between cheap imports, job loss, and lower wages for Australian workers. Here are some points to consider: |
| You correctly argue that the statement is mostly false because it oversimplifies the complex dynamics of trade and job markets. It's important to emphasize that job numbers in Australia are influenced by a range of internal factors and not solely by international trade. Additionally,… |
3. Generate examples of how to apply theories, concepts or formulae to different situations and contexts
Exams at UTS are likely to require higher order thinking skills such as critical analysis, evaluation and applying knowledge to specific contexts. The best way to learn how to do these things is regular practice with feedback, but it can also be useful to get additional ideas or examples to help you better understand how a concept can be applied.
Example Prompt:
Give me 5 examples of how the concept of opportunity cost could be applied to the life of an Australian university student.
| Part of ChatGPT's response (30/06/2023): |
|---|
Here are five examples of how the concept of opportunity cost can be applied to the life of an Australian university student: |
|
4. Explain difficult concepts in simple language
This can be done in different ways. For example, you could ask the tool to explain a concept in language that a junior high school student could understand. Or you could ask it to give some analogies, examples or even a diagram to help you better understand a concept.
Example Prompt:
Give me 3 different analogies to help me understand Einstein's theory of relativity.
Part of ChatGPT’s Response (19/07/2023): |
|---|
The Rubber Sheet Analogy: Imagine a rubber sheet stretched out flat, representing space. Place a heavy object like a bowling ball in the center of the sheet, creating a dip or curve in the fabric. Now, roll a marble across the sheet towards the bowling ball. The marble will follow a curved path around the bowling ball due to the dip in the rubber sheet. In this analogy, the bowling ball represents a massive object like a star or planet, and the marble represents… The Train Analogy: Imagine you're standing on a train platform, and a train passes by at a constant speed. From your perspective, the passengers inside the train appear to be moving relative to you. However, from the perspective of someone inside the train, they perceive themselves as stationary, while it's the platform and everything else outside the train that appears to be moving. This analogy demonstrates…. The Flashlight Analogy: Imagine you're in a dark room with a flashlight. When you turn on the flashlight, you notice that the light travels in a straight line and illuminates the objects in front of you. Now, imagine you're in a moving car, and you turn on the flashlight again. This time, you notice that the light doesn't travel in a straight line but instead curves as it moves forward. This analogy illustrates… |
Do you want to learn more about how to prepare for your exam effectively? Reach out to HELPS or attend workshops.
