Learn Books and Materials Deeply with AI
Break down self-study's three big problems—"can't finish reading, can't understand, doesn't stick"—one by one with AI.
Reading: Get the Map First
- Hand over the table of contents or chapter titles and have it summarize "the big picture and each chapter's role"
- Before reading, have it set 3 "questions this chapter should answer"
Understanding: Rephrase the Sticking Points
I don't understand this sentence (quoted). Explain with an analogy a middle-schooler would get, and end with one check question.
Retention: Actively Recall
- After finishing a chapter, close the book and write the key points yourself
- Have AI mark it up and point out gaps and misunderstandings
- A week later, ask AI for a "quiz on last time's content" (spaced repetition)
Practice Problems
Asking "5 problems by difficulty on this theme" and "point out only the flaws in my reasoning, don't tell me the answer" trains your ability to work independently.
Caution
AI's explanations and examples can be wrong. Verify important facts in the original material. For copyright, avoid bulk-inputting book text; use your own notes and a quotation-sized range.
