Developing student proficiency in ChatGPT-driven active recall practices and self-guided inquiry

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT offer new opportunities to enhance student learning through active recall and self-directed inquiry. This study aimed to determine student perceptions of a classroom assignment designed to develop proficiency in using ChatGPT for these strategies. First-semester Doctor of Pharmacy students in a foundational sciences course completed an assignment using ChatGPT for active recall. The assignment involved generating quizzes from lecture notes on protein structure and apoptosis, verifying ChatGPT's answers, and engaging in further inquiry. Students completed a Qualtrics survey assessing their perceptions. Nearly 60% of students had no prior ChatGPT experience, and only 21% had used it for previous quizzing purposes. Most (96%) found the instructions for the assignment clear, and 89% reported that ChatGPT was easy to use. The majority believed ChatGPT quizzes were as effective as instructor-provided quizzes. All students agreed that verifying ChatGPT's answers with lecture notes was a valuable learning experience. Open-ended responses highlighted the ease of generating additional questions and exploring concepts at higher cognitive levels, though some noted challenges with crafting precise prompts and verifying answers. Although many students were new to ChatGPT, the structured assignment improved their comfort with and understanding of the platform's capabilities and limitations when used for active recall and critical inquiry. The integration of AI tools, when guided and purposeful, can enrich traditional learning methods and support student engagement and deeper understanding of biological concepts in pharmacy education.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A structured classroom assignment introduced first-semester pharmacy students to using ChatGPT for active recall and self-directed learning. Despite limited prior experience with the tool, most students found it easy to use and an effective learning tool. Verifying ChatGPT's responses with lecture notes was viewed as a valuable learning strategy. Students appreciated the platform's ability to support higher-level inquiry. Overall, the assignment enhanced student engagement and understanding of AI-assisted learning.