This article is a part of our Transforming Assessment for Modern Learning Spaces series.
Author: Tim Palmer, instructional design specialist
Free ChatGPT’s generative abilities make it an excellent tutor. Using AI as a topical tutor is a powerful and ethical example of academic integrity and responsible AI use. Understanding GPT’s basic functions and equipped with the included tutor prompts, you’ll be ready to enhance your learning in any subject.
Prompting for Learning: Use the CAP Model
Example: Topical Tutor Prompts
Academic Integrity and AI Use
Using AI tools like ChatGPT as study partners or tutors, rather than as shortcut solutions, helps preserve the integrity of your academic work. When students use AI responsibly, they protect their learning experience, ensure they get valuable feedback from instructors, and uphold UC San Diego Extended Studies’ academic integrity standards.
The Extended Studies Academic Integrity Policy states that "all academic work will be done by the individual to whom it is assigned, without unauthorized aid of any kind." This means you should only use AI tools for assignments if your instructor has given permission. Even then, clearly indicate which parts are AI-generated.
However, when used to help you study, practice skills, or clarify difficult topics and not to produce answers or submissions, AI is a beneficial learning aid. Review the AI-Use Decision Tree and talk with your instructor if you’re ever unsure whether AI use is permitted.
Responsible AI use also means ensuring the quality of the AI outputs you intend to use.
- Reviewing AI content for accuracy and bias
- Verifying any citations or factual claims
- Citing AI contributions when appropriate
Prompting for Learning: Use the CAP Model
Today's generative AI systems are so advanced that they do not require sophisticated approaches or specialized prompt engineering. Advances in natural language processing mean that you can have a regular conversation with AI and still get it to do amazing and helpful things for you.
However, prompts with more detail tend to yield markedly better outputs. Before prompting, try using the CAP model. CAP is an easy three-part device that can help you write clearly and efficiently.
- Context – What class are you taking? What are your professional or academic goals? What supplemental texts can you provide AI so that it has more information to work from?
- Audience – You are the audience, so ask ChatGPT to reply like a tutor, professor, or expert. ChatGPT can be technical or explain it to you like you are a child.
- Purpose – Explain what the output should help you do (e.g., study, write, explain). State any specific outcomes or goals you have in mind.
Keep CAP in mind whether you are prompting or writing for any occasion.
Example: Topical Tutor Prompts
Below we provide several specialized prompts that act as knowledge and skill tutors for different types of students.
To use these prompts, copy and paste any prompt below. Then, adjust the specific details to match your situation and needs. Enter the prompt in your AI model of choice and enjoy your learning.
Teaching Adult Learners Fundamentals Tutor
I am taking a class called "Teaching Adult Learners." I want to teach online courses at a higher-ed institution. I would like to brush up on some core theories for teaching adult learners to get a head start before the course begins. I am not too familiar with all the terminology, so take on the tone of a tutor. We can work on topics one at a time, but let's start with the fundamentals. I'll ask questions to clarify or deepen areas of interest.
Substance Use Disorder Counseling Tutor
I am taking a class called "Substance Use Disorder Counseling." I work in community outreach and hope to become a licensed counselor working with adults in recovery. I want to use this course to better understand evidence-based counseling techniques and the role of ethics in treatment. I’m looking for a tutor-like guide to help me study key concepts and deepen my understanding. Let’s go one topic at a time, starting with the basics. I’ll ask questions to explore areas further as we go.
Writing Tutor Prompt for Biochemistry Writing
I am taking a biochemistry course and want to improve my writing. I struggle with clearly explaining complex concepts and organizing scientific information. I’d like to build confidence in writing short explanations, summaries, and maybe even lab report sections. Let’s start with the basics of writing in a scientific tone and structure. Please explain things clearly, like a tutor would, and we can go one step at a time. I’ll ask follow-up questions as needed.
Programming Problem-Solving Tutor Prompt
I’m working on programming problems in my introductory Python course. I have some code snippets that aren’t working as expected, and I want to understand why and how to fix them. Please act as a patient tutor who can explain errors, logic issues, and best practices clearly. I’ll share my code and questions one at a time, and we can work through them step by step so I can learn how to solve similar problems on my own.
Materials Guide Prompt for Advanced Drawing Class
I’m preparing to take an advanced drawing class and want to make sure I have all the necessary supplies and materials. Please act as an experienced art tutor and help me create a detailed list of recommended tools, papers, and any specialty items I might need. Also, include tips on where to buy quality materials on a budget and how to care for them. I’m new to buying art supplies, so please explain clearly and step-by-step.
Track your AI-assisted Learning: Use a Learning Log
Learning with AI tools is just as serious as traditional learning. Every interaction is a chance to do the following:
- Gain new skills
- Explore ideas
- Deepen your understanding
Keep a record of your questions, AI responses, and what you’ve learned. This builds long-term value from each chat. You can rename your chats with a relevant name like "Adult Learning Tutor" so that they are easier to find in your chat history.
Best Practices for Learning with Free GPT
Aside from prompting clearly and engaging in a natural conversation with AI, there are a few tips for using ChatGPT you should keep in mind to get the best experience. Although the free version of ChatGPT has some limitations related to memory and AI model, you can still take advantage of the basic features to make the most of your use.
- Rename your chats so topics are easy to revisit.
- Remind ChatGPT where you left off when restarting a topic (e.g., “Last time we discussed X…”).
- Paste in relevant text when needed—GPT can’t see your files but can read pasted content.
- Keep prompts focused and clear, especially when exploring technical or detailed content.
- Use each session as a way to reflect on your thinking and understanding.
Learning with generative AI is flexible, on-demand, and responsive to your interests. The more intentional your use, the more useful the results.
Use Safety Guidelines for ChatGPT and Other AI Tools
At Extended Studies, we believe that AI will continue to grow and impact our lives, so it is essential that everyone develop AI skills and literacy. By keeping these key practices in mind, you will use AI effectively, safely, and ethically.
1. Protect personal and sensitive information.
Students should refrain from sharing private data when interacting with AI tools. This includes, but is not limited to, names, student identification numbers, login credentials, addresses, or other personally identifiable information.
2. Verify the accuracy of AI-generated content.
While generative AI can assist in exploring concepts, its responses are not guaranteed to be factually correct. Students are responsible for cross-checking any information provided by AI tools with credible academic sources.
3. Adhere to academic integrity policies.
Students must not use AI tools to complete coursework unless explicitly permitted by the instructor. Unauthorized use of generative AI may be considered a violation of the UC San Diego Extended Studies Academic Integrity Policy.
4. Treat AI as a supplemental resource.
AI tools are best used to support learning by offering explanations, examples, or guided practice. They should not replace critical thinking, independent research, or engagement with course materials.
5. Acknowledge AI assistance when appropriate.
If AI tools contribute to a student's work, proper disclosure and citation are required in accordance with instructor or departmental guidelines. Academic transparency helps ensure fair evaluation and supports scholarly integrity.
6. Engage with AI tools ethically and purposefully.
Students are encouraged to approach AI interactions with intentionality, using the tool to reinforce their understanding of subject matter and to support the development of their academic skills.
7. Maintain healthy study habits.
Although AI tools are accessible at any time, students should set appropriate boundaries for their use. Responsible time management and attention to academic wellbeing remain essential for successful learning.
Free AI Tools
There are many free AI models to use, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, especially with free-to-use models. Experiment with different models to see which ones you prefer for which tasks.
- ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/
- Claude AI - https://claude.ai/
- Google Gemini - https://gemini.google.com/
- Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/
Disclaimer: This article was partially drafted with AI assistance (ChatGPT). Final content has been reviewed and refined by Instructor Excellence to ensure accuracy and quality.