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Prompt Engineering

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Created on February 15, 2024

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Prompt Engineering

Your guide to communicating effectively with Generative AI

About this guide

start

Menu

Select a Menu option below to begin.

Writing Effective Prompts

Choose an AI Tool

What is Prompt Engineering?

Learn More

Prompts for Teaching

Prompts for Learning

Next

Back

What is Prompt Engineering?

"Prompt engineering involves creating text that a generative AI model can understand. In this context, a prompt refers to 'natural language text' that describes the task the AI system needs to perform."

Microsoft Copilot

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are designed to generate specific outputs based on the quality of the provided prompts.

To achieve optimal results from Generative AI, there are a variety of Prompt Engineering techniques that can be explored and utilised. This guide provides tips on communicating with chatbots, improving your prompts, and example prompts that you can try for yourself. Copy any example prompts, replacing the variables in brackets {} with a variable suitable for your context, and paste into a chatbot of your choice.

Next

Menu

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Choose an AI Tool

This page provides an overview of the most popular Generative AI tools, their strengths and direct links for you to try. Click on the boxes for more information.

Perplexity

Copilot

ChatGPT

Hugging Chat

Gemini

Claude

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Writing Effective Prompts

Browse the following tips for advice on how to interact with Generative AI chatbots. Click on the boxes below for more information.

Use Simple Language

Select a Task

Choose a Format

Set a role

HumanReview

Request a writing style

Define and Refine

Set Restrictions

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Sample Prompts for Teaching Staff

Explore the following ideas and use cases for using Generative AI within your teaching. Click on the boxes to reveal an example prompt. Copy the text and replace the variables in {brackets} to try the prompt in a chatbot of your choice.

Create a list of learning outcomes for your course/module.

Learning Outcomes

Generate an assignment to critically evaluate AI output.

Critical Evaluation

Gather ideas to design engaging assessment methods.

Assessment

Compose a range of case studies relevant for your subject area.

Case Studies

Fast-track planning a lesson on any topic.

Lesson Plans

Provide constructive and tailored feedback for students.

Feedback

Create a rubrics matrix to assist assessment marking.

Marking Rubrics

Generate a glossary of relevant terms and understandable explanations.

Glossary of Terms

Facilitate collaboration by generating interesting activities.

Collaborative Activities

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Sample Prompts for Students

Explore the following ideas and use cases for using Generative AI within your learning. Click on the boxes to reveal an example prompt. Copy the text and replace the variables in {brackets} to try the prompt in a chatbot of your choice.

Stay organised and create a study schedule

Study Plan

Use Generative AI as your personal tutor.

Interactive Instruction

Test your critical thinking skills by interrogating the information provided by AI.

Critical Thinking

...or historical figure or fictional character. Ask AI to respond as that person.

Talk to an Expert

Practice your conversation skills by chatting with AI in your target language.

Language Learning

AI can provide code snippets, troubleshoot errors, and offer programming tips.

Coding Assistance

AI can help get you started by providing a possible outline.

Presentation Planning

Use AI to help you improve or change the tone of your writing.

Writing Skills

Reinforce your understanding and help memory retention,

Flashcards and Quizzes

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Learn More

Explore the following resources to develop your knowledge of Prompt Engineering.

OpenAI: Prompt Engineering Guide

promptingguide.ai

Acknowledging the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft Learn: Prompt Engineering Techniques

University of Liverpool: Learning and teaching prompt templates

AI Pedagogy Project (Harvard)

101 Creative Ideas to Use AI in Education

26 guiding principles for prompting

More Useful Things: Prompt Library

freeCodeCamp: Prompt Engineering Tutorial

AI Prompts For Efficient Learning

ChatGPT Prompt Templates: Education

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  1. What have I learned? Main concepts and ideas.
  2. How did I learn it? Steps followed to learn it: group work, research, analysis of information, in-depth study, etc.
  3. What has been the easiest and the most difficult part?
  4. What was it useful for? Usefulness of what I have learned
  5. In what other situations can I use it? Extrapolation of what I have learned to other subjects, daily life, etc.

Example Prompt

Assessment

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Brainstorm alternative assessment methods for assessing {course description}. Include options that encourage the use of AI.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Provide examples of current assignments;
  • Clarify the year/level of the students for whom the assignments are intended
  • Request further details on the specific requirements for creating the assignments
  • Ensure that all instructions are clear and concise.

Study Plan

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

I have an exam coming up for {insert subject} on {insert date} and need to study the following: {insert list of topics}. Create a study plan and include the duration I should spend on each topic.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Specify priorities for topics based on their difficulty or importance in the exam.
  • Request a plan format that includes timings, breaks and revision sessions.
  • Ask for motivational tips to stay focused and for resources for further reading or practice.

Define a role

Defining a role allows the AI to tailor its output in a certain style. Whether it’s a tutor, writer, expert, or fictional character, assigning a clear role helps to guide the AI’s behaviour.

Try some of the following roles: Copywriter; ​ Historical figure​​; Subject expert; Teacher​​; ​​ Student​​; Academic​​; Researcher; ​​ Administrator;​​ Careers Advisor​.

Context Prompts

Giving as much context as possible is crucial, as the results become much more predictable.

I am a lecturer at a UK university. My students are in a three-year programme in {subject}. Some students' first language is not English, and they may struggle with complex terminology. Explain the concept of {topic} to my first-year students in a simple and concise way. Assume that my students have very little knowledge._________ I am a career advisor at a university in {country}. My student is interested in a career in {job type/industry} but is unsure about the job prospects. Provide an overview of career opportunities in {job type/industry} in {country}. _________ I am a lecturer in {subject}. My students need to understand the ethical considerations of {}. Explain the key ethical considerations in {}, focusing on issues like {}

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Curate a reading list for a course on {insert topic}. Include diverse authors and genres.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I want to practice having a conversation in {insert target language}. Suggest a topic and answer any additional questions in that language.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

“Create a module outline for an {insert topic/module title} course. Break down the content into weekly topics, readings, and assignments.”

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Design a marking rubric for {insert subject area} course. The rubric should evaluate {insert relevant criteria}. Consider different levels of achievement (excellent, satisfactory, needs improvement) for each criterion.

Talk to an expert

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Imagine you are {eg. Marie Curie}. Tell me about {eg. your groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity} and answer any follow-up questions in this style.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Request the AI to adopt the tone and language style appropriate to the time period or character's background.
  • Ask for insights into their personal thoughts or feelings about their achievements or the events of their time.
  • You could also choose to have a conversation with a character from a novel or film.

Choose a format

Different formats suit different purposes. Whether you need a paragraph, list, or table, specifying the format ensures the AI delivers content in the right structure.

Possible formats: Bullet Points​​; list;​​ slide deck; paragraph; step-by-step instructions​​; table; summary; flow chart; mind map. ​​

Request a writing style

Whether you want a formal email, an academic paper, a creative story, or a humorous response, setting the tone or writing style ensures that the AI matches your communication style.

Possible writing styles: Informative​​; Engaging​​; Clear; Professional;​​Direct​​; Authoritative;​ Formal​​; Reassuring; ​Casual; Friendly​​; Optimistic​. ​​

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Compose clear and measurable learning outcomes for a course on {insert topic}. Refer to Bloom's Taxonomy and specify what students should be able to do by the end of the course.

Hugging Chat

Visit: huggingface.co/spaces/huggingchat

HuggingChat, an open-source alternative to ChatGPT, offers a chatbot experience powered by a large language model (LLM) developed by Mistral AI. It also allows you to switch between LLMs.

Good for:

  • Text Summaries: Useful for condensing lengthy content into concise summaries.
  • Coding Assistance: Can help students with programming-related queries.

Gemini

Visit: gemini.google.com/app

Gemini is an umbrella term for Google’s AI tools, encompassing chatbots, voice assistants, and coding assistants. It replaces Google Bard (formerly their AI chatbot) and Duet AI (their Workspace-oriented rival to CoPilot Pro and ChatGPT Plus).

Good for:

  • Multimodal content generation across formats like text, images, audio, and video.
  • Providing a comprehensive suite of AI tools for various tasks.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Brainstorm potential research topics for a paper on {insert subject}.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I am learning {Java/Python etc.} and am trying to {insert description of task}. Provide a snippet of code to demonstrate this.

Question Prompts

The so-called 'standard prompt' - ask a question instead of providing an instruction or setting a task. Add a request for some relevant examples.

• What are the key ideas/metrics that {subject} educators should focus on to ensure their programmes are aligned with industry needs? Provide examples from recent {subject} curricula _________ • What are the most effective teaching strategies for developing and engaging young talent in {subject}. Include both classroom and online approaches. _________ What techniques can be employed to improve student performance in {subject}. Provide practical examples

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Help me plan a 10-minute presentation on {insert topic}. Make suggestions for visual aids, key points, and audience engagement.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Imagine you are {Marie Curie}. Tell me about {your groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity} and answer any follow-up questions in this style.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Help me plan a 10-minute presentation on {insert topic}. Make suggestions for visual aids, key points, and audience engagement.

Set Restrictions

Constraints prevent overgeneration. By limiting word count, language, or other factors, you guide the AI to stay within desired boundaries.

Example Restrictions: Use only certain words or phrases​​; Write in a certain style​​; Write about a specific topic;​Write within a certain word limit​​; Write for a specific audience​; Exclude information before a certain year. ​​

Use Simple Language

Use simple language to keep your prompts clear and concise - this will help the AI to understand your intent accurately. Avoiding complexity and jargon reduces ambiguity and improves the quality of generated responses.

Lorem ipsum dolor

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.

  • Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
  • Consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
  • Labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Rewrite the following {sentence/paragraph} and provide some guidance on how it can sound more academic. Provide a brief explanation of each suggestion:{insert sentence}.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I am currently learning about {insert subject or topic}. Provide a set of {10} quiz questions, and provide the answers after I respond with the questions.

Role Prompts

A powerful way of getting better responses from the AI is to assign a role. This provides additional context for the AI to produce answers in the style of an expert on the subject, or to acquire the characteristics of any role you set.

I want you to act as a {enter role, for example a researcher, lecturer} with over 10 years of experience in {subject}. Discuss the considerations of {}. Please focus on a {} context. _________ Respond in the style of {expert, historical figure, fictional character}

Language Learning

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I want to practice having a conversation in {insert target language}. Suggest a topic and answer any additional questions in that language.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Ask for cultural notes related to the conversation topic that might inform how you speak or what you talk about.
  • Request corrections and explanations for any mistakes made.
  • Suggest varying the difficulty of the conversation as you progress.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Write a statement about {insert topic}, followed by a series of questions that I can use to critically evaluate that statement.

Role - Task - Format

Role-Task-Format (RTF) is a framework that combines some of the approaches outlined in 'Chatbot Basics'. Set a role for the AI, describe your task, and request a format. It is a good idea to combine different prompt approaches to get more detailed and useful results.

text text text

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Feedback

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Craft a selection of constructive feedback sentences for an assignment on {insert topic}. Refer to {insert rubric} and provide feedback options for each marking band. Highlight strengths and suggest areas for improvement.

Craft a selection of constructive feedback sentences for an assignment on {insert topic}. Refer to {insert rubric} and provide feedback options for each marking band. Highlight strengths and suggest areas for improvement.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

Enhance your prompt:

  • Choose a format for the feedback, such as written comments or a feedback form.
  • Request a constructive writing style that fosters growth and learning.
  • Set restrictions on the length of feedback to keep it concise and focused.
  • Choose a format for the feedback, such as written comments or a feedback form.
  • Request a constructive writing style that fosters growth and learning.
  • Set restrictions on the length of feedback to keep it concise and focused.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Improve the writing of this prompt: "Generate a 200-word statement on climate change, followed by a list of 10 questions that can be used to critically evaluate that statement. Include questions that challenge the accuracy, evidence, and potential bias of the information.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Interactive Instruction

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I want to learn about {insert topic}, and you will be my instructor. Provide some information followed by a short quiz to test my knowledge.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Brainstorm alternative assessment methods for assessing {course description}. Consider options that encourage the use of AI.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Outline the structure of a well-organised argumentative essay on {insert subject}. Include titles for an introduction, body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion.”

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I have an exam coming up for {insert subject} on {insert date} and need to study the following: {insert list of topics}. Create a study plan and include the duration I should spend on each topic.

Interactive Instruction

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

I want to learn about {insert topic}, and you will be my instructor. Provide some information followed by a short quiz to test my knowledge.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Request that the AI explains concepts in multiple ways to ensure understanding.
  • Ask for real-world applications to make the learning more tangible.
  • Specify a format for the quiz, such as multiple-choice or short answer, to vary the testing method.
  • Request feedback suggestions on quiz answers to guide further study.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I am learning {Java/Python etc.} and am trying to {insert description of task}. Provide a snippet of code to demonstrate this.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a collaborative activity for a {insert subject} class. Students must work together to {describe goal/output}. Specify roles, resources, and evaluation criteria.”

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Case Studies

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Develop a case study for a {insert subject} class. Present a real-world scenario and write a set of questions that encourage students to analyse and critically evaluate the case study.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Select a task that challenges students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
  • Ask for a specific format for each case study presented, eg. written report, role-play, group discussion.
  • Request a narrative writing style to engage students in the scenario.

Collaborative Activities

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a collaborative activity for a {insert subject} class. Students must work together to {describe goal/output}. Specify roles, resources, and evaluation criteria.”

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Request a detailed plan for the activity, including timelines and deliverables, in bullet point format.
  • Set restrictions on group size and the scope of the project.
  • Request additional questions from the AI on how to assess collaboration and group dynamics.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I want to practice having a conversation in {insert target language}. Suggest a topic and answer any additional questions in that language.

Instruction Prompts

This is the simplest method of prompting - providing the AI with a basic instruction. Instruction prompting can become more complex with additional instructions.

Summarise the key changes in {subject area/topic} over the past five years and discuss their implications for {___} _________ Discuss the role of {___}, particularly how it influences {___} _________ Explain the ethical considerations of {___}, focusing on issues like {___}. Identify three key challenges in {___}, such as {___} _________ Identify three key challenges in {___} and explain their implications.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Write a statement about {insert topic}, followed by a series of questions that I can use to critically evaluate that statement.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Design a lesson plan for teaching {1st-year university students} about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Critical Thinking

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Write a statement about {insert topic}, followed by a series of questions that I can use to critically evaluate that statement.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Request more information about the inherent limitations and biases of AI;
  • Assign a writing style for the response – an academic writing style may be good for this statement as something that sounds trustworthy but needs to be interrogated further;
  • Set a restriction for the word limit of the statement.

Interactive Instruction

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I want to learn about {insert topic}, and you will be my instructor. Provide some information followed by a short quiz to test my knowledge.

Using this Guide

Text text text
Demo video above

Few-Shot Prompts

Providing a series of question-answer pairs can be a powerful way to help the AI understand the type of detailed, nuanced response you are looking for.

text text text

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Marking Rubrics

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a marking rubric for {insert subject area} course. The rubric should evaluate {insert relevant criteria}. Consider different levels of achievement (excellent, satisfactory, needs improvement) for each criterion.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Choose a format for the rubric that is easy to use and interpret, such as a table or grid.
  • Request a direct writing style to avoid ambiguity in the evaluation process.
  • Set restrictions to ensure that the rubric aligns with the learning outcomes of the course.
  • Ask how the rubric can be used for self-assessment or peer review.

Select a task

Specific tasks lead to more relevant answers. By specifying what you want, you guide the AI toward the desired outcome, whether it’s preparing a presentation or generating code.

Possible tasks: Draft an email campaign​​; plan a presentation​​; ideas for a podcast script​​; create a reading list​​; ideas for a workshop​​; headings for an article​​; design a draft job description​​. ​​

Lesson Plans

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching {e.g., 1st-year university students} about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Include examples of current lesson plans to identify areas for enhancement.
  • Request a list of learning objectives for the lesson.
  • Emphasise that activities should encourage active learning and student engagement.
  • Choose a format for the lesson plan, such as a timeline or step-by-step guide.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I have an exam coming up for {insert subject} on {insert date} and need to study the following: {insert list of topics}. Create a study plan and include the duration I should spend on each topic.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Outline the structure of a well-organised argumentative essay on {insert subject}. Include titles for an introduction, body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion.”

Presentation Planning

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Help me plan a 10-minute presentation on {insert topic}. Make suggestions for visual aids, key points, and audience engagement.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Ask for advice on engaging the audience with questions or interactive elements.
  • Request specific suggestions for visual aids that enhance understanding of key points.
  • Suggest a structure that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion with time allocations.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Rewrite the following {sentence/paragraph} and provide some guidance on how it can sound more academic. Provide a brief explanation of each suggestion:{insert sentence}.

Copilot

Visit: bing.com/copilot

Copilot is an AI chatbot developed by Microsoft that leverages AI to boost productivity, unlock creativity, and enhance understanding through a simple chat experience. Copilot Enterprise is available for Queen's staff.

Good for:

  • Research Assistance: Copilot can provide citations and references for academic work.
  • Learning Aid: summarize complex topics and explain them in a student-friendly manner.

Prompt Principles

Consectetur adipiscing elit

1 No need to be polite with LLMs There is no need to use phrases like "please", "if you don't mind", "thank you", "I would like to", etc. 2 Integrate the intended audience The prompt should be tailored to the audience, such as an expert in the field. 3 Break down complex tasks Complex tasks should be broken down into a sequence of simpler prompts. 4 Use affirmative directives Use affirmative directives, such as "do" while avoiding negative language like "don't". 5 Use clarification prompts When you need clarity or a deeper understanding, use prompts like "Explain [specific topic] in simple terms" or "Explain to me as if I'm a beginner in [field]".

Writing Skills

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Rewrite the following {sentence/paragraph} and provide some guidance on how it can sound more academic. Provide a brief explanation of each suggestion: {insert sentence}.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Request the AI to focus on improving clarity and coherence in addition to academic tone.
  • Ask for alternative vocabulary suggestions to replace colloquial or informal language.
  • Suggest including a brief rationale for each revision to improve understanding of academic writing standards.

Critical Evaluation

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Generate a 200-word statement on climate change, followed by a list of 10 questions that can be used to critically evaluate that statement. Include questions that challenge the accuracy, evidence, and potential bias of the information.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Request a detailed description of the AI's functionality and limitations to inform the critical evaluation;
  • Specify the academic level of the students to tailor the complexity of the questions;
  • Request various formats for the assignment submission.

Flashcards and Quizzes

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I am currently learning about {insert subject or topic}. Provide a set of {10} quiz questions, and provide the answers after I respond with the questions.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Specify the difficulty level of the quiz questions and request explanations for the correct answers.
  • Ask for tips on mnemonic devices or other memory aids for difficult concepts.
  • Suggest a mix of question types (true/false, multiple-choice, short answer).

Human Review

Be aware that AI-generated content isn’t infallible, and it is important to remember not to use AI uncritically. Always review the output to catch any errors, inconsistencies, or inaccuracies before final use.

Coding Assistance

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

I am learning {Java/Python etc.} and am trying to {insert description of task}. Provide a snippet of code to demonstrate this.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Request explanations for why the provided code works and how it solves the task.
  • Ask for comments within the code for clarity.
  • Suggest that the AI should include common pitfalls or errors related to the task and how to avoid them.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Imagine you are {Marie Curie}. Tell me about {your groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity} and answer any follow-up questions in this style.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Provide a detailed guide on converting a {lecture/seminar} focused on {topic} into an engaging online format. Suggest tools and student engagement tactics and consider accessibility and inclusively.

Claude

Visit: claude.ai.chat

Claude is an artificial general intelligence chatbot developed by Anthropic. Claude can understand natural language, hold conversations, answer questions, and accomplish tasks through dialogue.

Good for:

  • Safety and Honesty: Claude’s design emphasizes safety, ensuring it won’t respond unexpectedly or generate harmful content.
  • Working with long texts: Claude is beneficial for answering questions on long documents.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Develop a case study for a {insert subject} class. Present a real-world scenario involving ethical dilemmas and ask students to analyse and propose solutions.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Curate a reading list for a course on {insert topic}. Include diverse authors and genres.

ChatGPT

Visit: chat.openai.com/chat

ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is an AI chatbot based on the GPT-3.5 architecture. It is a versatile tool used across various domains, including education. ChatGPT Plus ($20p/m) provides access to the more advanced GPT 4 model and plug-in functionality.

Good for:

  • Generating text content from simple prompts.
  • Assisting with writing, answering questions, and creating CVs.

Learning Outcomes

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Compose clear and measurable learning outcomes for a course on {insert topic}. Refer to Bloom's Taxonomy and specify what students should be able to do by the end of the course.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Detail the course content to align learning outcomes appropriately;
  • Choose a format for the learning outcomes, ensuring they are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound);
  • Set restrictions to avoid overly ambitious outcomes;
  • Request the AI to provide follow-up questions that you can use to refine the outcomes.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Craft a selection of constructive feedback sentences for an assignment on {insert topic}. Refer to {insert rubric} and provide feedback options for each marking band. Highlight strengths and suggest areas for improvement.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Compile a glossary of key terms related to {insert topic}. Define each term concisely and provide examples.

About this guide

This interactive guide offers advice and guidance on using Generative AI, with a focus on prompt engineering. It is designed for both staff and students. The guide contains a definition of prompt engineering, advice on choosing an AI Chatbot, and tips and tricks on writing effective prompts. It also contains use cases for how Generative AI can be used in the context of both teaching and learning, sample prompts for each case, as well as further reading.

Find out more about Artificial Intelligence by visiting the Queens AI Hub:

go.qub.ac.uk/AI-hub

This guide was compiled and produced by the Centre for Educational Development, Queen's University Belfast.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Brainstorm potential research topics for a paper on {insert subject}.

Perplexity

Visit: Perplexity.ai

Perplexity excels in creating summaries, essays, letters, emails, and song lyrics. Additionally, Perplexity can debug code, answer questions, and provide data analysis.

Good for:

  • Quick Answers: Perplexity swiftly provides precise information on a wide range of topics.
  • Collaborative Planning: Useful for brainstorming, planning, and collaborative work.

Define and Refine

You don't have to accept the first answer - iterative refinement improves results. Enter into a conversation with the AI, experiment with different prompts, adjust phrasing and repeat until you get the output you need. You can also include a request for follow-up questions from the AI within your prompt, to encourage an ongoing conversation.

Example Prompt

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

Revise the following {lecture slide content} to use gender-neutral language. Explain why this change is important for creating an inclusive classroom.

Example Prompt

Design a lesson plan for teaching 1st year university students about {insert topic}. Include learning objectives, activities, and resources.

I am currently learning about {insert subject or topic}. Provide a set of {10} quiz questions, and provide the answers after I respond with the questions.

Lorem ipsum dolor

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.

  • Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
  • Consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
  • Labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Glossary of terms

Copy and paste the text below to try the prompt. Replace the variables in {brackets} with your own examples.

Compile a glossary of key terms related to {insert topic}. Define each term concisely and provide examples.

Enhance your prompt:

  • Set a task for the AI to include examples that illustrate how each term is used in context.
  • Choose a format for the glossary, such as alphabetical or thematic.
  • Request a clear and concise writing style for definitions.