Best Practices for Writing Effective AI Prompts
1. Be Clear and Specific
- Vague prompts lead to vague answers. Instead of asking, “Tell me about history,” try:
“Summarize the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution in under 200 words.”
- Define key details such as topic, word count, format, and scope to improve the accuracy of responses.
2. Provide Context
- AI performs better when it understands who the audience is and what the goal is.
- Example: Instead of “Explain photosynthesis,” try:
“Explain photosynthesis as if you are teaching a first-year biology student, using simple language and examples.”
- If the response should be formal, academic, or structured, state that in the prompt.
3. Use Step-by-Step Instructions
- Break complex tasks into smaller steps for better AI-generated responses.
- Example: Instead of “Help me write a research paper,” try:
“Provide a structured outline for a 5-page research paper on climate change, including an introduction, three main points, and a conclusion.”
4. Ask for a Specific Format
- AI can generate responses in various forms: outlines, summaries, lists, essays, emails, or lesson plans.
- Example:
“List three major ethical concerns with AI in education and provide a short explanation for each.”
5. Refine and Iterate
- If the first response isn’t useful, refine the prompt. Add more details or adjust the phrasing.
- Example: If “Explain Newton’s laws” results in too much technical jargon, revise it to:
“Explain Newton’s three laws of motion in simple terms with real-world examples.”
Examples of Strong vs. Weak Prompts
| Weak Prompt |
Improved Prompt |
| "Tell me about World War II." |
"Summarize the key events of World War II between 1939-1945, focusing on the European and Pacific theaters." |
| "Write a paper on artificial intelligence." |
"Create a 500-word essay on how artificial intelligence is impacting higher education, including benefits and ethical concerns." |
| "Help me study for my exam." |
"Provide a study guide covering the main concepts from Chapters 4-6 of my Psychology 101 textbook, including definitions and key takeaways." |
Applying These Practices on Campus
At CT State Northwestern, students and faculty can use these best practices to integrate AI into coursework and research responsibly:
- Students: Use AI for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and clarifying complex topics, when permitted by your instructor.
- Faculty: Experiment with AI for lesson planning, content summarization, or discussion prompts.
- Librarians: Support AI literacy by helping students evaluate AI-generated content and understand ethical considerations.
By following these best practices, the campus community can harness AI’s potential while maintaining academic integrity and critical thinking.