Try These 3 AI Prompts to Support Student Learning

Jumping into the world of AI can feel intimidating, so dip your toe in with these three AI prompts to try in the classroom.

1. To Help Students Explain and Copy Edit

For students who find it challenging to get started or are stuck, have them explain what they know about a topic or assignment. They can free-write or use a tool like Google Voice Typing to speak their ideas out loud without worrying about spelling or typing.

Once the ideas are transcribed, input the text into ChatGPT with a simple prompt: “Do not change any of my words. Suggest copy edits only. Explain changes.”  

• This prompt allows the AI to check for spelling, grammar, and sentence structure while preserving the original ideas and voice. This can be useful for both drafting and refining final work.

2. Analyzing Student Data to Create Tailored Pathways

After grading a math quiz or reviewing class performance data, input the results into the AI. This could include raw scores or specific areas of difficulty (e.g., fraction problems). 

Use a prompt like: “Analyze these assessment results and recommend activities that address gaps in students’ understanding of fractions.” 

• AI can then provide specific activity suggestions, such as interactive fraction games, video tutorials, or targeted practice exercises, based on students’ performance.

3. Facilitating Creative Collaboration and Project Planning

AI can serve as a brainstorming partner, helping students refine their ideas and develop more structured plans for group projects. For instance, after a class brainstorm on environmental issues, you can have students input their ideas into ChatGPT with a prompt like: “Generate a project outline for a group presentation on reducing plastic waste based on these ideas.”

• AI can suggest a well-organized project structure, including research components, presentation sections, and action items. 

Note: Scaffolding for Student Levels

It's important to scaffold the use of these tools according to student age and ability. For younger students, try teacher-demonstrated AI use, modeling thinking on how to use the tool responsibly. This is especially true when considering terms of use, student privacy, and appropriate supervision.