Ask it to ask you
The built-in modes
ChatGPT has Study Mode, Claude has a learning mode (and learning styles), and Gemini has Guided Learning. Each switches the assistant from answering to tutoring: it asks what you already know, breaks the topic into steps, gives hints when you're stuck and checks understanding before moving on. Look for them in the tools or style menu.
Do it yourself in any chatbot
If your tool has no study mode, paste a short instruction at the start: "Act as a patient tutor. Don't give me the answer. Ask me one question at a time, give a hint if I'm stuck, and only explain fully after I've tried twice. Check my understanding at the end." Our Socratic Tutor and Be My Tutor prompts are ready-made versions.
Tell it your level and goal
"I'm learning statistics for a new job and I'm rusty on algebra" gets a very different tutor from "explain p-values". Say what you already know, what you're aiming for (an exam, a project, a conversation) and how much time you have. Ask it to check your level with two or three questions before teaching.
When you just need the answer
Not everything needs to be learned. If you need a fact to get on with your day, ask for it. Study modes are for skills and ideas you want to keep. A useful habit is to decide at the start of a session: "Am I here to learn this, or to get it done?" and pick the mode to match.
When did a teacher's question teach you more than their explanation would have?