OpenAI launched Study Mode on July 29, 2025, a new ChatGPT feature that helps students develop critical thinking skills rather than simply providing answers to questions. Study Mode is already available to Free, Plus, Pro, and Team users, while ChatGPT Edu subscribers—primarily young people whose school administrators have purchased a plan for the entire student body—will gain access in the coming weeks. The feature was developed in collaboration with teachers, scientists, and pedagogy experts, and supports key behaviors including encouraging active participation, managing cognitive load, proactively developing metacognition and self-reflection, fostering curiosity, and providing actionable and supportive feedback.
Study Mode offers five key features to support learning: interactive prompts that combine Socratic questioning, hints, and self-reflection prompts; scaffolded responses that highlight connections between topics; personalized support based on skill level and previous chats; knowledge checks with quizzes and open-ended questions; and flexibility that allows toggling Study Mode on and off during conversations. A research paper released in June 2025 found that people who use ChatGPT to write essays exhibit lower brain activity during the process compared to those who use Google Search or nothing at all, supporting the need for tools like Study Mode that encourage more active learning processes.
OpenAI considers this new feature the first step in a longer journey to improve learning in ChatGPT and is already working on further enhancements. Future plans include clearer visualizations for complex or text-heavy concepts, goal setting and progress tracking across conversations, and deeper personalization tailored to each student's skill level and goals. OpenAI is collaborating with experts from the SCALE Initiative at Stanford University's Accelerator for Learning to study and share how AI tools influence learning outcomes in areas like K-12 education and is conducting longer-term studies on how students learn best with AI.
Sources:
Maxwell Zeff
OpenAI introduces ChatGPT Study Mode, a new feature designed to help students learn more effectively with AI-assisted study sessions and personalized guidance.
Russ Scritchfield
