Building real understanding requires moments of reflection, self-awareness, and active engagement, not relying solely on AI.AI is most effective when it understands your starting point and the context of your questions, like any expert collaborator.Four ways to connect with AI as an intelligent collaborator: Iterative Exploration, Self-Assessment, Strategic Non-Use, and Reflective Dialogue.Homework isn't about speed but about slowing down to think, question, and grow, where AI can assist in various ways.