Prompt writing with AI

Using AI in the classroom might feel a little intimidating at first, especially if you’re unsure of what it can do for you or your students. However, the key to getting great results from AI isn’t magic. It’s all about prompt writing.

Think of a prompt as a set of instructions. The better your instructions, the better the response. Whether you’re using AI to brainstorm lesson plans, summarize texts, or support student learning, writing strong prompts is the first step in using AI as a reliable teaching tool.

In this article, we’ll explore several prompt structures that help you (and your students) communicate clearly with AI to get the results you need.

Role - Task - Format (RTF)

This structure is best for simple tasks. Tell the AI who to act as, what to do, and how you want the information.

  • Example for teachers: Act as a 6th grade science teacher. Create a five-question quiz on weather patterns. Present the quiz in multiple choice format.
  • Example for students: Act as a museum tour guide. Write a paragraph explaining why ancient Egypt was important. Show the paragraph as if you’re talking to 5th graders.

Task - Action - Goal (TAG)

This format is great for learning how to ask AI for help. Start by explaining what you’re working on, then ask for specific support, and share your goal.

  • Example for teachers: I’m building a lesson plan on ecosystems. Suggest three interactive activities. My goal is to keep students engaged during a 45-minute class.
  • Example for students: I’m writing a personal narrative about my first soccer game. Help brainstorm three events I can include. My goal is for readers to feel like they were there.

Role - Input - Steps - Expectations (RISE)

This prompt works well when you’re asking AI for a step-by-step guide.

  • Example for teachers: Act as a curriculum specialist. I need help designing a unit on energy transfer for 8th grade students in Tennessee. Give me a step-by-step plan including learning objectives and assessments based on the state standards.
  • Example for students: Act as a writing tutor. Here’s my thesis: “School uniforms limit self-expression.” Help me outline the essay in three steps. I expect a basic structure I can follow.

Before - After - Bridge (BAB)

This prompt helps someone think in terms of solving a problem. Describe the problem, the desired outcome, and ask to help bridge the gap.

  • Example for teachers: Before: My students don’t understand the phases of the moon. After: I want them to clearly explain each phase. Bridge: Create an engaging classroom activity to help make the concept stick.
  • Example for students: Before: I get stuck when trying to start my essays. After: I want to feel confident starting my introduction. Bridge: Give me three sentence starters for a compare-and-contrast essay.

Content - Action - Result - Example (CARE)

This model is helpful when you want to generate content or guide others in creating their own.

Example for teachers: Provide content about plant cells. Create an interactive group activity. Show what the students should learn by the end. Give me an example of how to assess their understanding.

Example for students: I need to make a poster on water conservation. Give me facts to include, suggest a slogan, explain what people should learn, and show me an example of a catchy layout.

Final tip: Train your AI like a student

Remember, AI tools need to be trained and work best when they’re clearly told what you want. If your first prompt doesn’t get you what you need, treat it like a draft and try again. You can always adjust your wording or ask follow-up questions.

You don’t have to be an expert to start using AI, you just have to start!