What to do when you first feel stuck
Every student knows the feeling of reading a page five times and still having no idea what it says. In 2026, being stuck is usually just a language problem. The textbook is talking to you like an expert, but your brain needs it to talk like a friend. This is where you need a bridge to help you cross from "I'm lost" to "I get it."
The best first step is to use a high-powered model like Google Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT to break the ice. You can use our Simplifier Specialist to take that scary paragraph and turn it into a simple story.
Try this approach:
Copy the confusing text from your digital book.
Paste it into the AI and ask it to explain it like a 10-year-old.
Ask for an analogy from a movie or a sport you like.
Once you understand the basic "how" and "why" through a simple story, the hard words in your textbook will start to make sense. This is a vital part of how to build better AI prompts.
How to teach the AI to find your mistakes
Understanding a concept is one thing, but explaining it is how you actually learn. This is known as the Feynman Technique. In the past, you needed a study buddy to listen to you. Now, you can use Anthropic’s Claude or our Concept Mastery Coach to act as your student.
This is the fastest way to find your "knowledge gaps." These are the tiny parts of the lesson that you think you know, but you actually don't. You can find more details on this in our guide to the AI Feynman Technique Method.
What to do:
Tell the AI: "I am going to explain this topic to you. I want you to point out every part where my logic is weak or where I missed a key fact."
After you explain it, the AI will give you instant feedback.
It will show you exactly which sentence needs more work.
When to use specialized tools for math and science
Sometimes, a regular chatbot is not enough, especially for subjects like calculus or physics. General AI can sometimes make mistakes with numbers. When you are dealing with technical details, you need to bring in the specialists.
For math, Wolfram Alpha is the gold standard. It doesn't just give you the answer. It shows you every single step of the calculation so you can see the logic. If you have a physical worksheet, Socratic by Google lets you take a photo of the problem and shows you a video explanation that fits.
If you have a massive PDF full of jargon, try Google's NotebookLM. It lets you "chat" with your document, so you can ask it: "What does this specific formula mean on page 42?" Combining these with our 7 essential AI tools creates a perfect support system.
How to prove you actually understand the lesson
The final step is the most important one. You need to prove to yourself that the confusion is gone. It is easy to "feel" smart after reading a summary, but you need to test your brain before the real exam.
Use our Quiz Maker to create a five-question practice test. Ask it to include one "Level 1" easy question and one "Level 10" very hard question. If you can answer the hard one without looking at your notes, you have mastered the topic.
The "Total Confusion" Rescue Stack
If you are stuck on... | Market Leader Tool | Vertech Academy prompt |
Dense Textbooks | ||
Logic & Theory | ||
Complex Math | Step-by-Step Logic | |
Homework Help | ||
Long PDFs | Source Analysis |
Moving from "I don't get it" to "That was easy"
Learning a hard subject is not about how many hours you spend staring at the wall. It is about how many times you change the way you look at the problem. If a professor's lecture didn't work, try an AI's story. If the textbook felt too dry, try a practice quiz.
At Vertech Academy, we believe that every student is smart enough to learn anything. You just need the right tools to break the big ideas into small pieces. Our mission is to give you the confidence to walk into any classroom knowing you have a system to find the answers you need.
Ready to stop feeling stuck? Explore our full library of prompts and tools today. Whether you are dealing with a hard science lab or a dense philosophy essay, we have the resources to help you reach your goals. Join the thousands of students who are using Vertech Academy to master their toughest subjects.
Common Questions About Hard Subjects
What if the AI makes a mistake?
It happens! This is why you should always use AI to help you understand the idea, but use your textbook to verify the final facts. Use the AI as a tutor, not as the final word.
Is it okay to use AI for every single chapter?
Yes. If it helps you learn, use it. Over time, you will find that you need the AI less and less because your brain is getting better at seeing the patterns on its own.
Can AI help me understand code or programming?
Definitely. Paste your "buggy" code into an AI and ask it to explain why it isn't working. It is like having a senior developer sitting next to you while you learn.
Should I use different AI for different subjects?
Usually, yes. Use ChatGPT or Claude for writing and concepts. Use Wolfram Alpha for math. Use NotebookLM for long readings. Each tool has a different "superpower."
