Using NotebookLM as a self-testing study companion

The challenge was to create a study pathway where learners could actively test themselves rather than passively receive information. This meant designing an interaction where the tool first assessed where the learner was, then adapted its questions and quizzes based on the learner's understanding of the content, guiding self-directed understanding rather than fixed content delivery.

I initiated the Learning Guide by configuring the chat to specify the conversational goal as Learning Guide - a toggle available in the chat window. I proceeded to chat with the NotebookLM: "I want to learn about these sources using Learning Guide."

When prompted, I then specified a learning goal, to understand the difference between how children and adults learn, and indicated that I wanted to be in charge of the process. This prompted NotebookLM to ask diagnostic questions before generating any content.

After responding to the diagnostic questions, I told the tool: "Quiz me."

The quiz appeared in a panel where I could click through each question, and when I got an answer wrong, I could ask for an explanation. I also used the prompt "tell me more about the self-directed human beings" to go deeper into a concept that came up during the session.

Watch the video below to see the NotebookLM outputs and what they looked like

This use case points to a practical model for self-regulated learning supported by AI. Educators could deploy the Learning Guide for revision before exams, pre-class preparation, or formative self-testing throughout a unit. It also illustrates how AI can support adaptive learning pathways using a teacher-selected source base in contrast to generic chatbot interactions that draw from anywhere. The fact that the pathway adapts to the learner's responses makes it more than a static quiz tool; it functions as a responsive study companion grounded in the actual unit content.

• The Learning Guide feature works best when explicitly instructed not to simply give the answer, but to help the learner test themselves.
• The study pathway varied based on user responses, meaning different learners could move through the same source set in meaningfully different ways.
• Checking source references is important to reduce the risk of hallucination, particularly when the tool is being used for study purposes.