As artificial intelligence technology becomes impossible to avoid, praise and panic of its capabilities can be found in equal measure. Educators around the world fear the damage Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can do to students’ academic integrity. Whether it is writing essays for them, doing their math homework, or being a primary source in research, LLMs and other AI systems offer a myriad of ways for students to cheat. On the other hand, AI can provide valuable aid to students and scholars, both in the classroom and out. In the end, it comes down to intent. AI is a powerful tool and, as the saying goes, there is a responsibility that comes with that power. For those who wish to use AI for good, here are some ways you can turn the ever-improving cheat machine into your favorite and friendly study buddy:

1. Ask “Why?” or “How?”

As a student, focusing on every word in every class can be an overwhelming task. Whether it is a poor night’s sleep, waking up early for practice, the teacher’s lullaby-esque voice, or the subject material making you wish you were getting teeth pulled, it is easy for pieces of the school day to blur and fade from your mind. That said, you still need to keep your grades up, which may be tough if you dozed off during Mr. Smith’s lecture on “everything that will be on the upcoming test”. You stare at your textbooks and empty notebooks, wondering why nothing makes sense but knowing the answer. All alone, dreading next week’s test, you pull up ChatGPT and ask it for help.

A perfectly good way to start is by asking for it to explain whatever material you missed in class. You are likely to get a detailed answer, but how can you be sure the answer is right? Ask follow-up questions! What did ChatGPT mean when it told you that Nick Carraway’s introduction to the world of Gatsby echoes Plato’s Allegory of the Cave? Can ChatGPT elaborate on the historical impact of the “Plessy v. Ferguson” ruling? What are magnets, and how do they work? Keep ChatGPT talking. Keep asking questions.

Once you have answers to your standard of completeness, verify, verify, verify! LLMs have a mixed track record of providing accurate and correct responses, versus making up information that sounds correct. Double-check your textbooks. Perform your own research using reputable sources. Make sure that Wikipedia agrees at least.

What have you just accomplshed? You engaged with the material, asked meaningful questions, and improved your understanding. You LEARNED! You did everything your teacher would love to see you do in class, and you weren’t even in school! 

2. Pretend to Teach ChatGPT

Throughout my career as a tutor, I have become a true believer in the idea that explaining information to somebody reinforces it for both you and your student. This is a power that anybody with access to an LLM can wield. Phrase your prompt in a form similar to, “I have a test coming up and I need to make sure that I understand the material. Can you pretend to be a student in my classroom and ask me questions as I explain?” As the AI digs deeper into the subject matter, it will become apparent what you know and what you need to study more. Maybe ChatGPT starts to sound more like a toddler asking “Why?” to every question than an engaged student. That is a good time to tell it that you have everything you need for this section of the test and that you will be moving on.

By the end of this exercise, you will have gained a clearer picture of what you still need to study and you have increased your confidence in the material you don’t. Use this as a jumping-off point for more targeted study.

3. Have it Test You

The most frequent advice I’ve heard and given to students about the ethical use of LLMs is to have your LLM of choice build a quiz for you to study with. It has been my experience that many students take the questions generated for them, write them down, look up the answer, and move on. I disagree with this approach. You have the opportunity to get real-time feedback on your answers, and you should use that to your advantage. Input your answers into the software, and see how it responds. Remember, LLMs are still capable of being confidently wrong, so verify, verify, verify! 

The benefit of this approach is that you have a set of study materials that is more personalized than online flashcards, and takes less time to create than handmade flashcards. Verification adds an extra layer of reinforcement to your studying that you may not have received in your own independent study (and the potential for smug satisfaction if you are able to prove the AI wrong).

The creative potential of AI as a learning tool is vast, so long as you treat the technology with care and ethics. The educational world is reluctant to embrace AI because it is so easy to cheat with it. If you want to see more wide-spread adoption of AI in your school, you need to be the one to prove the doubters wrong. Discuss other creative uses for AI amongst your classmates. Try the techniques I outlined in this article, and let us know how it went. No matter what, if AI isn’t working for you, know that we at College Tutors are always here to help.

We live in a world that celebrates speed. The fastest runner wins the race, the first in line gets the best seat, and quick answers are often praised. But when it comes to the classroom, is being a fast learner really the ultimate goal?

While there’s nothing wrong with efficiency, learning isn’t just about how quickly a student can absorb information. In fact, patience, persistence, and a focus on the learning process are often more valuable than instant results. Speed only matters if it leads to meaningful, lasting understanding—and that’s where patience comes in.

The Problem with Prioritizing Speed

As a society, we often equate intelligence with how quickly someone can respond: quick answers in class, rapid recall during quizzes, or timed tests. But this focus on speed can create a high-pressure environment for students.

How often do we stop to ask: What is this doing to our learners?

For many students, the fear of being wrong—or not being fast enough—leads to shutdown. They internalize the message that if they can’t get it right the first time, they’ve failed. This mindset discourages risk-taking, curiosity, and perseverance. But in reality, learning is rarely a one-and-done event. It takes struggle, repetition, reflection—and most importantly, time.

What Patience in Learning Actually Looks Like

Bringing patience back into the learning process starts with slowing down. That means giving students the time and space to ask questions like “why?” and “how?”—questions that move learning beyond surface-level memorization into deep understanding.

When a concept is challenging, review it again. Spend two days on it instead of one. There’s no rush when mastery is the goal.

Here are a few simple strategies to cultivate patience:

• Create space for mistakes and revision. Instead of a pop quiz, try a revision session where students revisit their past work and make improvements.
  
• Begin lessons with open-ended prompts (e.g., a phrase or image) that spark exploration. Ask students: What do you notice? What do you wonder? There are no wrong answers—only opportunities to think critically.
  
• Offer low-stakes opportunities to try, revise, and try again.
  

The Benefits of Patient Learning

When students are encouraged to grow at a pace that works for them, the benefits are lasting:

• Deeper comprehension replaces surface-level cramming.
  
• Improved retention occurs because the brain isn’t being trained to “grab, hold, and release” facts for a test.
  
• Greater resilience emerges through productive struggle.
  
• Reduced academic anxiety follows because students no longer feel “behind”—they’re simply on their own path.
  

And perhaps most importantly, students begin to develop a growth mindset, where effort and persistence are seen as the true markers of success.

How Parents and Tutors Can Support Patient Learning

Patience doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Parents and tutors play a vital role in modeling a calm, curious approach to learning.

• Respond to mistakes with questions instead of frustration.
  
• Celebrate progress, not just achievement. Growth often happens between milestones.
  
• Use encouraging language like:
  “It’s okay to take your time.”
  “Let’s figure this out together.”
  “You don’t have to be perfect to be learning.”
  

By emphasizing that learning is a process, not a performance, adults can create an environment where students feel safe to explore, struggle, and succeed on their own terms.

Practical Tips for Students

Here are a few actionable ways to help students build patience in their learning:

• Break tasks into small steps and celebrate each one—even simple wins deserve acknowledgment.
  
• Keep a learning journal to track both progress and challenges.
  
• Use timers for focused, slow-paced work sessions (try the Pomodoro Technique).
  
• Practice growth-oriented self-talk, like:
  “I don’t get it yet,” instead of “I can’t do this.”
  

Final Thoughts

Learning isn’t a race—it’s a journey. And like any worthwhile journey, it takes time, effort, and yes, patience. When we shift our mindset to value the process over the pace, we give students the freedom to grow deeply, not just quickly.

Education is a long-term investment. Trust the process, take the time, and know that patient learning leads to confident, capable learners.

Curious whether your child could benefit from a more thoughtful, patient approach to learning?
We’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about how our tutoring support fosters growth at every step.

It’s easy for there to be a dip in students’ motivation.  Shorter days, colder temperatures, and post-holiday fatigue combined with a long winter break from school all contribute to students losing focus in school. Here are some tips to stay focused and energized:

Set new goals: “SMART” goals (e.g. goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) are a good way to keep students’ goals manageable.  Students can refresh their goals heading into the next semester.

Using a planner is a great way for students to manage their goals and stay on track.  Although most students opt for a digital planner, this doesn’t work for every student, so exploring pen and paper options is a must.  This can help students stay motivated by breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This could be anything from completing math homework in “chunks” of problems completed each night to studying for a test a few nights in advance to limit the amount of information entering the brain at once.  Setting specific, achievable goals can help students feel on track and motivated.  

Embrace consistent routines: A planner can help with this tip as well.  Routine creates stability that students need to stay on track during the winter.  Shorter days and cold, depressing weather can make losing track of time easy.  Students should plan regular study time and incorporate short breaks along the way to make studying feel like a natural part of the day.  Students should plan their routines around a time they are alert and have energy to get things done.  If the student is a morning person, perhaps waking up early to study is better.

Use a tutor as a source of motivation: Tutors are excellent at giving consistent instruction, support, and motivation.  They keep students on track during a session, hold students accountable for their own work, and can help them organize all the work they need to do.  Tutors also help build students’ confidence in subjects with which they struggle (and therefore are unmotivated to tackle).

Stay active, social, and energized: It’s easy for symptoms of depression to hit; we want to curl up and stay warm inside.  Staying physically active boosts energy levels and clears the mind. Use a study break to get some exercise (even a short walk or stretching) to help combat depressive symptoms and get your brain ready to get your work done.

Depressive symptoms can also be a result of isolation, which is easy to let happen when the weather is colder.  Students should stay connected to friends and family.  Students can try forming study groups, so they maintain their social lives while staying on task and motivated to complete schoolwork or to study—win-win!

Reflect and celebrate progress: Students should avoid focusing on what’s left to do, especially if they’re feeling a lack of motivation and falling behind.  Students should take a moment to reflect on their progress during the school year, and use this as a way to reignite their motivation.  This is the time for students to look back at their goals and what they;ve accomplished throughout the year so far.  Celebrating these accomplishments by rewarding them keeps students motivated and helps them “push through” the winter season.  The reward can be anything from some phone/screen time or video games to hanging out with friends or taking a night off from studying.

There’s an uphill battle with staying motivated during the winter, especially since it’s easier for depressive symptoms to loom.  By maintaining and keeping a routine that is in line with goals while staying active and social, students can make it through the dreary winter season motivated and on track.

We’ve all been there. You’re a high school student who woke up late, missed the bus, scrambled to get to class on time, and now you’re sitting in front of a math test you were once fully prepared for—only to find that everything has slipped from your mind after the chaotic morning. School and life alike are full of daily stressors that impact the way we think, feel, and act. While many of us have developed our own ways to cope with this stress as we move into adulthood, what about our kids and students? They haven’t always been taught or shown these coping skills, and unfortunately, this can lead to significant negative effects on their academics and grades. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way if we step back for a moment and teach them the skills of mindfulness.

A study conducted by researchers at the Boston Charter Research Collaborative—through a partnership between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, MIT, and Transforming Education—found that mindfulness education during an eight-week program for sixth graders had a positive impact on reducing stress levels and improving student performance. Through mindfulness training, these students were able to hone their ability to focus in the moment, which enhanced their capacity to learn and regulate their emotions. The skill of focusing in the present is one we should not overlook. The ability to remain present allows students to absorb new information more effectively and permanently. When students feel threatened or vulnerable—like many do in subjects such as math, science, or other areas they struggle with—the brain enters survival mode, focusing only on the immediate threat. For example, a freshman struggling in Algebra might be more concerned with the fear of being embarrassed in front of her peers if she is cold-called to answer a question. Instead of focusing on the lesson, she spends her time overthinking all the possible ways she could embarrass herself and avoid that situation. By the time the lesson ends, she hasn’t absorbed any of the material. Had she been equipped with the tools to regulate her emotions, she might have been able to stay present during the lesson and tackle the content with confidence, ultimately alleviating stress for future lessons.

Mindfulness can sometimes seem vague or abstract, so here are a few ways you can incorporate mindfulness into your student’s life to help them succeed.

Practice and Demonstrate at Home

Kids’ first teachers are their parents, and they continue to learn from them throughout their lives. This doesn’t stop when they go to school. A great way to encourage your student to practice mindfulness is to model it in your own life—especially when they see you facing a stressful situation. For instance, when the barista hands you your coffee without the lid fully closed and it spills all over your car, instead of reacting immediately (though I understand the urge!), try taking a few deep breaths and pausing before responding. In that moment, all you can do is pull over and clean the mess. When you’re juggling tasks like preparing dinner and asking your child about their day without focusing on either, try including them in the process so that it becomes a shared present moment. Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways, both big and small—find what feels right for you!

Encourage Study Check-Ins

When your student is studying, encourage them to pause and acknowledge how they’re feeling about the content. If they’re frustrated, help them explore why and work together to problem-solve ways to move forward. Give them space to calm their mind and body. When they feel overwhelmed, allow them a moment to simply “be” without worrying about the problem they can’t solve. Then, guide them back into problem-solving and staying focused on the task at hand. A key aspect of mindfulness in education is promoting mindful transitions. This means avoiding constant switching between subjects or assignments. When this happens, the brain can’t fully focus on either task, as it is still preoccupied with the other.

Create a Calming Study Environment and Set Mindful Goals

Create a study space that is welcoming and conducive to learning. When our surroundings are chaotic, so are our thoughts. In addition to a calming environment, encourage your student to set mindful study goals. These can be simple, like: “I will focus on reading this passage thoroughly without rushing,” or “I will work through this math problem from start to finish and check my answer after giving it a full attempt.” Working through a task fully—without constantly checking progress—allows your student to engage more deeply with the content and retain information better, both in everyday life and on test day.

The Benefits of Mindfulness in Education

Mindfulness in education offers numerous benefits: improved focus, reduced anxiety, enhanced emotional regulation, and increased self-awareness. These are invaluable skills that extend far beyond the classroom. By incorporating mindfulness into your home routines, students can develop these skills, leading to greater academic success and improved overall well-being. In turn, this creates a more balanced and effective learning environment.

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the days grow shorter, many students begin to feel the effects of the approaching winter break. With holidays on the horizon, it can be tempting to ease up on studying and allow academic habits to slide. However, staying consistent and productive through November and December can make a significant difference in your performance come January. By developing strong study habits now, students can avoid the mid-year slump, finish the semester strong, and start the new year with momentum.

Here’s how you can build lasting study habits before winter break and keep your academic performance on track.

1. Set Clear Goals for the Final Weeks of the Semester

Before the chaos of the holidays sets in, take some time to sit down and plan out your academic goals for the remainder of the semester. Ask yourself:

• What are my priorities over the next few weeks?
• Which subjects need the most attention before midterms or final exams?
• How can I stay on track while balancing school with holiday activities?

By setting clear, realistic goals, you’ll have a sense of direction and purpose, making it easier to stay focused even when distractions arise.

2. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It

In the weeks leading up to winter break, it’s easy to let your study routine slide, especially if you’re feeling burnt out. But consistency is key to maintaining progress. Now is the time to organize your study time effectively.

Start by creating a study schedule that includes:

• A list of all your upcoming assignments, exams, and projects.
• Specific blocks of time dedicated to studying each subject.
• Breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.

Pro tip: Use a calendar or planner to visually track your study goals and upcoming deadlines. Having a tangible reminder will keep you accountable and help you prioritize your time wisely.

3. Tackle One Task at a Time: Avoid the “Multitasking Trap”

When life gets busy, it’s tempting to juggle multiple tasks at once. But multitasking often leads to reduced productivity and lower-quality work. To build strong study habits, focus on one task at a time. Whether it’s reading a chapter, solving math problems, or preparing for a presentation, give your full attention to the task at hand.

If you find yourself easily distracted, consider using a technique like the Pomodoro Method, where you work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break). This helps maintain your concentration while avoiding mental fatigue.

4. Stay Organized: Use Tools to Stay on Top of Your Work

During the holidays, it’s easy to let organization slip. However, clutter and disorganization can quickly derail your focus and productivity. Invest in a few simple tools to keep everything in order:

• Digital planners: Tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Todoist help you keep track of deadlines and assignments.
• Physical binders or folders: Keep your notes and assignments organized by subject to minimize stress when exam time arrives.
• Study apps: Apps like Quizlet or Anki can help you create digital flashcards to review key concepts on the go.

Staying organized means you’ll spend less time scrambling to find materials and more time focusing on productive study sessions.

5. Review Regularly: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

It’s common for students to let review and revision fall to the bottom of their to-do lists, especially as the semester winds down. However, waiting until the last minute to cram for exams often leads to unnecessary stress.

Instead, make it a habit to review your notes regularly. Even spending just 15-20 minutes a day reviewing what you’ve learned can help reinforce key concepts and ensure that information sticks. The more consistently you review, the less overwhelming the material will feel when exam time arrives.

6. Practice Self-Care: Avoid Burnout

While it’s important to stay consistent with your studies, it’s equally important to avoid overworking yourself. The stress of keeping up with school, social obligations, and holiday preparations can quickly lead to burnout. Be sure to build self-care into your routine:

• Get plenty of sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to maintain cognitive function.
• Eat well: Fuel your brain with nutrient-rich foods to keep your energy levels up.
• Take breaks: Give yourself time to relax and recharge with activities you enjoy.
• Stay active: Physical exercise has been shown to reduce stress and improve focus.

Taking care of your mental and physical well-being will make it easier to maintain consistent study habits throughout the fall semester.

7. Seek Help When Needed: Don’t Wait Until You’re Struggling

If you’re finding it difficult to stay consistent or understand certain topics, don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether it’s through tutoring, joining a study group, or asking your teacher for clarification, getting support can help you stay on track.

A tutor can offer personalized assistance, helping you to master difficult concepts and stay motivated during challenging times. If you’re not currently working with a tutor, now is the perfect time to consider it, especially if you have upcoming exams or assignments that require extra attention.

8. Reward Yourself for Staying on Track

Staying consistent with your studies doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself along the way. Set up a reward system to acknowledge your progress. For example:

• Take a break to watch a favorite TV show after completing a study session.
• Plan a fun activity or outing when you hit a major academic milestone, like finishing a project or acing a test.

Rewards help keep you motivated and remind you that your hard work is paying off.

As winter break approaches, staying consistent with your study habits may feel like an uphill battle, but the payoff will be worth it. By setting clear goals, staying organized, practicing regular reviews, and taking care of yourself, you’ll not only finish the semester strong but also set yourself up for success in the new year.

Remember, building strong study habits takes time, but with effort and dedication, you’ll create a routine that works for you—one that helps you thrive even during the busiest times of the year. Stay focused, stay consistent, and enjoy a well-earned break when the time comes!

Learning to work effectively on group projects is an important skill to develop as students enter middle school and high school. Challenges can arise when there are different personalities or work styles within the group. It gives students the opportunity to work on communication skills, problem solving, and delegation. We’ve compiled some practical tips to help students work in groups.

1. Set Clear Goals and Roles

The first step to working successfully in a group is to determine the project’s goals and then assign jobs based on what needs to be completed. A good way to assign jobs is to think about each group member’s strengths and/or interests. For example, one person can do the initial research, one person can compile the information in a clear way, and one person can deliver the presentation once it’s complete. 

2. Establish a Communication Plan

Miscommunications can happen when working in a group. The best way to avoid miscommunication is to decide at the outset how your group will communicate with one another. You can try texts, emails, or working on a shared document. It’s also a good idea to check in regularly on the project to make sure everyone is on track. 

3. Use Time Wisely

Procrastination can quickly derail group projects. Your group should decide on a timeline that breaks the project into smaller chunks and gives you enough time to complete everything. Shorter, more focused meetings can be more effective than long drawn out sessions. 

4. Respect Everyone’s Input

Teamwork works best when everyone feels they can share their ideas and be met with respect. Everyone should listen to their group members and have respectful discussions if you disagree on a topic. Open minded brainstorming sessions are a great way to discuss multiple ideas at once. 

5. Take Advantage of Technology

Technology can make group work easier and more efficient. A few ideas for remote collaboration:

• Google Slides allow you to work collaboratively on presentations.
• Trello or Asana allow you to assign tasks and see progress.
• Canva can be used to create posters and graphics. 

6. Review and Practice Together

When your work is done, everyone should meet one last time to review the project as a group and make any final changes. You should look for any mistakes and practice delivering your presentation, if needed. This last step boosts confidence and quality. 

Group projects may seem challenging, but they are much easier if you set goals, communicate effectively, and treat your teammates with respect. The collaboration and leadership skills you learn will be useful in many different situations in the future.