Overview
Prompt engineering is the art and science of asking the right question to elicit the best output from the AI tool you’re using. It’s about formulating clear, purposeful prompts that guide AI tools to generate responses that are useful for teaching and learning. A well-crafted prompt can drastically improve the quality and relevance of AI-generated content.
Effective prompt engineering often requires practice, flexibility and iteration. The more you experiment with prompt engineering, the more you will understand how to get what you need from the AI tools. Until then, it’s helpful to use a framework to help you organize and craft the most effective prompts possible.
Here’s a simple guide to help you write effective AI prompts:
- Models or Examples: Include examples of what you want the AI to do, if possible.
- Context: Specify grade level, subject area, curriculum standards, and any relevant student information.
- Task Definition and Output: Clearly define the task (e.g., write, summarize, brainstorm) and specify the desired format (e.g., lesson plan, quiz questions, student handout), including any length or complexity requirements.
- Voice and Style: Indicate the desired voice or style, such as academic language, a conversational tone, or a specific persona.
Effective AI prompts are all about clarity and context. Think of the AI tool as a super-smart but very literal student teacher on their first day of the semester. You need to be specific and provide plenty of background.
Remember, AI isn't a search engine. It responds best to natural language, so write in complete sentences and be more precise than you would with Google. It's also important to avoid negative commands ("Don't do X").
AI prompt engineering is all about iteration. Don't be afraid to:
- Experiment with different phrasings
- Refine your prompt based on the AI's response
- Ask for clarification
- Ask the AI for help with improving the prompt
- Ask the AI to slow down and think (yes, really!)
Avoid these common prompt engineering pitfalls:
- Vague or ambiguous instructions
- Overcomplicating prompts with unnecessary details
- Using technical jargon without explanation
- Asking for multiple unrelated tasks in a single prompt
Using Prompt Libraries and Prewritten Prompts
As you begin your journey with AI prompt engineering, you'll find that having a collection of ready-to-use prompts can be incredibly helpful. Here's how you can make the most of prompt libraries and prewritten prompts:
- Prompt Libraries: You can find many prompt libraries through web searches, but we have curated one that designed specifically for K-12 educators in mind. This is a great place to start.
- Saving and Organizing Prompts: As you discover effective prompts, save them for future use. Create a personal collection organized by subject, grade level, or task type. This can be as simple as a document on your computer or a note-taking app.
- Customizing Prewritten Prompts: While prewritten prompts are useful, don't hesitate to modify them to fit your specific needs. Adjust the language, add context relevant to your class, or combine elements from different prompts.
- Learning from Examples: Study the structure and language of prewritten prompts to understand what makes them effective. This will help you craft your own prompts in the future.
- Sharing with Colleagues: Exchange prompts with other teachers. This collaborative approach can expand your prompt library and provide insights into how other educators are using AI.
