Studying at Cresskill High School is changing. While some students still like to study by writing notes by hand, making flashcards, and using review packets that teachers give them, most students at Cresskill High School are using programs like ChatGPT, Notebook LM, Turbo AI, Gizmo, Quizlet, and Gemini every day to help them with their schoolwork. These tools help students stay organized, come up with practice questions, and better understand the topics they are studying. Even with this shift toward technology, many students still emphasize the importance of balance and personal learning styles.
AI tools are very popular with students because they can adapt to fit each student’s needs. Students often use AI tools to turn notes into quizzes, summaries, and flashcards. This makes studying feel more engaging and efficient. AI tools can also help students study more quickly and effectively.
When students use AI tools, they can help identify areas where they struggle. Students can then focus on practicing those topics using AI-generated study materials. These tools are helpful because they allow students to study in a more personalized and targeted way. Sophomore Jun Nakai emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly, explaining, “You are the master of ChatGPT, not the other way around. You should use it to create study guides, not just to get answers.” His comment highlights how AI works best when students use it as a support tool rather than allowing it to do all the work for them.
Students especially like using artificial intelligence in classes that require a lot of memorization, such as biology and history. Digital study tools help students organize information, identify weak areas, and create personalized study materials. Many students also like that they can use these tools anywhere, either on a computer or phone, which makes it easier to review notes throughout the day. AI is very helpful for students in this way.
Even though many students use digital tools, traditional studying methods are still important for many students. Some students prefer rewriting their notes by hand or drawing diagrams to help them understand topics better. Others like solving practice problems on paper. Doing work by hand helps students visualize what they are learning and makes it easier to connect ideas. For example, when studying science or math, it can be helpful to draw diagrams or work through equations step-by-step on paper. This method is especially effective for these subjects because it helps students understand the material more clearly. Traditional studying methods like these are still very useful for students who want to learn and remember information.
Some students prefer to focus mainly on the materials provided by teachers instead of technology. Junior Michael Ambartsumyan described his approach by saying, “I look at my notes. I have never used artificial intelligence — God as my witness.” He focuses on review assignments and occasionally asks teachers for extra help and additional practice problems. He described teacher-provided review materials as “gold” because they help him better understand the topics he is learning.
Study tools can be very helpful when students are trying to learn something, but students often warn that they must be used correctly. One common mistake students make is using artificial intelligence to get answers instead of learning how to solve problems themselves. Junior Ryan Horezenco explained this idea clearly when he said that simply reviewing material is not the same as fully understanding it. Students need to do more than just look over their study materials.
If students only read summaries or quickly look over notes, they might think they understand everything, but that isn’t always the case. Real studying happens when students engage their memories and skills properly, in ways like completing practice questions or trying to teach the material to someone else. Study tools like artificial intelligence can be helpful, but they must be used properly. Artificial intelligence and other study tools are not substitutes for learning.
Students also believe that developing a study routine is very important. Many recommend studying smaller amounts over longer periods of time rather than trying to learn everything the night before a test. Spreading out studying helps reduce stress and improve long-term memory. Building strong study habits during high school can also make future classes and exams easier to manage. Students say that creating a consistent study routine is one of the most important keys to success in school. Senior Ryan Honczarenko said, “Really push yourself to get into a routine of studying, or it’s going to be 100 times harder to start studying consistently.” He went on to explain how his grades saw a strong increase after he began following this advice.
Day by day, we are seeing CHS students becoming more and more reliant on AI-based tools for their studies. However, students agree that success comes from using these tools responsibly while combining them with traditional study strategies when needed. Whether students prefer digital platforms, handwritten notes, or teacher-provided materials, the most effective study method is one that encourages active learning, consistency, and a deeper understanding of the material.
