ChatGPT Prompts for Post-Lecture Review
Students often struggle to transform a messy pile of lecture notes into actual long-term knowledge, leading to panic during finals week. These specialized prompts unlock faster understanding and retention by forcing you to engage deeply with your materials immediately after class. Simply copy and paste the prompts below to turn your lecture recordings or notes into a personalized study system.
The Quick Start Guide
To get the most out of these prompts, follow this simple framework: Copy your lecture transcript or handwritten notes, paste them into ChatGPT, and specify your current academic level (e.g., Undergraduate, Medical Student). The Golden Rule: Never ask ChatGPT to summarize a general topic; always provide your specific lecture text so it stays grounded in what your professor actually taught.
How to Use These Prompts
Step 1: Paste your source material (lecture transcript, slide text, or messy notes) into the chat.
Step 2: Set your constraints by defining the output format (e.g., bullet points, table, or Q&A) and your exam date.
Step 3: Request the output and perform a self-check by asking the AI to spot gaps in your understanding.
Step 4: Export the results into a spaced repetition system like Duetoday to ensure you don't forget the material by tomorrow.
Bucket A: Understand the Content
The Concept Synthesizer
Use this when you have a long transcript and need to find the core logical flow of the lecture.
"I am providing a transcript of my recent lecture. Please identify the 3 most important core concepts, explain the relationship between them, and provide a 2-sentence summary of the 'big picture' takeaway that would likely be on an exam."
"I am providing a transcript of my recent lecture. Please identify the 3 most important core concepts, explain the relationship between them, and provide a 2-sentence summary of the 'big picture' takeaway that would likely be on an exam."
"I am providing a transcript of my recent lecture. Please identify the 3 most important core concepts, explain the relationship between them, and provide a 2-sentence summary of the 'big picture' takeaway that would likely be on an exam."
A good answer will avoid fluff and clearly link themes like cause-and-effect or chronological progression.
The 'Explain Like I\'m a Beginner' Drill
Use this for complex technical lectures where you feel lost in the jargon.
"Based on these notes, explain [Topic] using a simple analogy that a high school student would understand. After that, gradually re-introduce the technical terms used in the lecture so I can bridge the gap to academic language."
"Based on these notes, explain [Topic] using a simple analogy that a high school student would understand. After that, gradually re-introduce the technical terms used in the lecture so I can bridge the gap to academic language."
"Based on these notes, explain [Topic] using a simple analogy that a high school student would understand. After that, gradually re-introduce the technical terms used in the lecture so I can bridge the gap to academic language."
A good answer uses a relatable metaphor (like a library or a kitchen) to demystify abstract theories.
Socratic Tutor Mode
Use this to test if you actually understood the lecture or just read it.
"Act as a Socratic tutor. Based on the attached notes, do not summarize them for me. Instead, ask me 3 probing questions that require me to apply the lecture concepts to a real-world scenario. Wait for my response before giving feedback."
"Act as a Socratic tutor. Based on the attached notes, do not summarize them for me. Instead, ask me 3 probing questions that require me to apply the lecture concepts to a real-world scenario. Wait for my response before giving feedback."
"Act as a Socratic tutor. Based on the attached notes, do not summarize them for me. Instead, ask me 3 probing questions that require me to apply the lecture concepts to a real-world scenario. Wait for my response before giving feedback."
A good answer will challenge your assumptions rather than just asking for definitions.
Bucket B: Remember and Organize
Structure my Messy Notes
Use this immediately after a lecture when your notes are a stream of consciousness.
"Analyze my messy notes below. Organize them into a structured hierarchy using the Cornell Note-taking method, specifically highlighting 'Cues' on the left and a 'Summary' at the bottom."
"Analyze my messy notes below. Organize them into a structured hierarchy using the Cornell Note-taking method, specifically highlighting 'Cues' on the left and a 'Summary' at the bottom."
"Analyze my messy notes below. Organize them into a structured hierarchy using the Cornell Note-taking method, specifically highlighting 'Cues' on the left and a 'Summary' at the bottom."
A good answer looks professional, with clear headings and easy-to-read bullet points.
The Flashcard Factory
Use this to prepare for your daily review sessions.
"Extract 10 key terms and definitions from this lecture. Format them as a 'Question and Answer' list. Ensure the questions focus on 'Why' and 'How' rather than just 'What'."
"Extract 10 key terms and definitions from this lecture. Format them as a 'Question and Answer' list. Ensure the questions focus on 'Why' and 'How' rather than just 'What'."
"Extract 10 key terms and definitions from this lecture. Format them as a 'Question and Answer' list. Ensure the questions focus on 'Why' and 'How' rather than just 'What'."
A good answer generates high-yield questions that mirror potential exam prompts.
Bucket C: Practice and Apply
The Mock Exam Generator
Use this 2-3 days after the lecture to test your long-term retention.
"Using the attached lecture materials, generate 5 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions. Include an answer key at the very end. Make the difficulty level 'Hard' for a university-level course."
"Using the attached lecture materials, generate 5 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions. Include an answer key at the very end. Make the difficulty level 'Hard' for a university-level course."
"Using the attached lecture materials, generate 5 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions. Include an answer key at the very end. Make the difficulty level 'Hard' for a university-level course."
A good answer includes plausible 'distractor' options in multiple-choice questions.
The Error-Log Strategy
Use this if you have past homework or quiz results related to the lecture.
"I am pasting a question I got wrong and my lecture notes. Explain why my original answer was incorrect based on the lecture's logic and provide a similar practice problem to ensure I've learned the concept."
"I am pasting a question I got wrong and my lecture notes. Explain why my original answer was incorrect based on the lecture's logic and provide a similar practice problem to ensure I've learned the concept."
"I am pasting a question I got wrong and my lecture notes. Explain why my original answer was incorrect based on the lecture's logic and provide a similar practice problem to ensure I've learned the concept."
A good answer identifies the specific misconception you had.
Teach It Back Drill
Use this to solidify your expertise.
"I will explain [Concept] back to you as if I am the professor. Based on the notes I provided earlier, critiques my explanation. Point out any inaccuracies or important details I missed."
"I will explain [Concept] back to you as if I am the professor. Based on the notes I provided earlier, critiques my explanation. Point out any inaccuracies or important details I missed."
"I will explain [Concept] back to you as if I am the professor. Based on the notes I provided earlier, critiques my explanation. Point out any inaccuracies or important details I missed."
A good answer provides constructive criticism and reinforces forgotten details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No Source Text: Don't ask ChatGPT to 'Review a lecture on Biology.' It doesn't know what your professor emphasized.
Broad Prompts: Avoid 'Summarize this.' Instead, ask for 'A summary in 5 bullet points for a student who missed the class.'
Ignoring Citation: Always cross-reference AI-generated facts with your textbook to ensure zero hallucinations.
Passive Reading: If you just read the AI's summary without doing the practice questions, you won't retain the info.
Pick two prompts from this list and apply them to your most recent lecture today. If you want to skip the manual prompting and have an AI brain that remembers everything for you, Duetoday can handle the entire workflow automatically.
