Student Study Tips using AI

Image credit: Google Nanobanana, 2026

As a learning designer it is important to stay on the cutting edge of learning strategies and educational technology to support effective teaching practices. Concurrently as a part-time graduate student, I try out Generative AI (GenAI) tools to enhance my own learning. 

A guiding question I keep in mind is: “How can this tool enhance (1) retention, (2) analysis and critical thinking skills, and (3) applied learning?” 

Here are three quick study tips for faculty to share with their students to boost their cognition, not replace it, using Google NotebookLM, and Google Gemini Gems (NYU login required):

1. NotebookLM Quiz (Retention): To prepare for in-class discussions and exams, I use the NotebookLM Quiz feature to check my understanding and retention of key concepts in a reading.

a. I create a new Notebook and upload the relevant resources (NYU login required).

b. In the NotebookLM studio section, I click Quiz (NYU login required). Within seconds, NotebookLM generates a 10-question multiple choice quiz to check my comprehension, including optional hints. It also includes automated feedback to confirm correct answers and explain incorrect responses.

c. After completing all the questions, I review my quiz results and consider retaking the quiz or generating a new quiz.

2. NotebookLM Audio Overview (Analysis): To vary the modality of my learning and reduce my cognitive and visual fatigue from devices, I often use the Audio Overview feature in NotebookLM to summarize the key points of an article as a podcast dialogue:

a. I create a Notebook and upload resources (NYU login required).

b. I generate and play the ~18-minute Audio Overview in the NotebookLM studio section to understand key points of the resources.

c. I occasionally use the Interactive Mode feature to ask questions in order to clarify misunderstandings or gaps in learning.

d. I return to the original written article and analyze which key points, including diagrams and visuals, were not covered in the NotebookLM Audio Overview. This helps solidify my understanding and builds my critical thinking skills.

3. Google Gemini Gems as a Practice Partner (Application): To set myself up for success as a student, I apply learning in realistic professional scenarios such as roleplay using Google Gemini Gems.

a. I create a custom Gemini Gem, describing how I’d like to interact with the tool, its role, and optionally including “Knowledge” for reference.

b. I ask the Gem to role play a scenario in order to practice applying knowledge and skills from my classes and readings. 

c. During the interactive role play, the Gem provides Advisor Tips and questions for me to make decisions. This requires knowledge retention, analysis skills, and applied decision-making skills — a recipe for well-rounded learning, including discovery through experimentation in a low-stakes simulation with GenAI. When I’m stuck, I prompt the Gem to guide my learning with more suggestions from which I can choose.

By the time I get to class, I’m prepared and excited to participate. 

There are a host of features within Google Gemini, NotebookLM, and other GenAI tools to support student learning more efficiently and effectively. As the tools continue to evolve, so will my study habits.