Education & Learning
Teaching and learning applications
AI is a powerful tool for both teaching and learning. This chapter covers prompts for educational contexts—from personalized tutoring to curriculum development.
AI excels as a patient, adaptive tutor that can explain concepts multiple ways, generate unlimited practice problems, and provide instant feedback—available 24/7.
Personalized Learning
Do's and Don'ts: Learning Prompts
❌ Passive request
Explain quantum physics to me.
✓ Context-rich request
Explain quantum superposition to me. My background: I understand basic chemistry and classical physics. Learning style: I learn best through analogies and examples. Explain with a simple analogy, then the core concept, then a practical example. Check my understanding with a question.
Concept Explanation
Explain [concept] to me. My background: - Current level: [beginner/intermediate/advanced] - Related knowledge: [what I already know] - Learning style: [visual/examples/theoretical] Explain with: 1. Simple analogy to something familiar 2. Core concept in plain language 3. How it connects to what I know 4. A practical example 5. Common misconceptions to avoid Then check my understanding with a question.
Adaptive Tutoring
You are my tutor for ${subject:calculus}. Teach me ${topic:derivatives} adaptively.
Start with a diagnostic question to assess my level.
Based on my response:
- If correct: Move to more advanced aspects
- If partially correct: Clarify the gap, then continue
- If incorrect: Step back and build foundation
After each explanation:
- Check understanding with a question
- Adjust difficulty based on my answers
- Provide encouragement and track progressLearning Path Creation
Create a learning path for ${goal:becoming a web developer}.
My situation:
- Current skill level: ${skillLevel:complete beginner}
- Time available: ${timeAvailable:10 hours per week}
- Target timeline: ${timeline:6 months}
- Learning preferences: ${preferences:projects and tutorials}
Provide:
1. Prerequisites check (what I need first)
2. Milestone breakdown (phases with goals)
3. Resources for each phase (free when possible)
4. Practice projects at each stage
5. Assessment criteria (how to know I'm ready to advance)Study Assistance
Don't just read AI explanations passively. Ask it to quiz you, generate problems, and check your understanding. Active recall beats passive review.
Summary Generation
Summarize this ${contentType:chapter} for study purposes.
Content:
${content:paste your content here}
Provide:
1. **Key Concepts** (5-7 main ideas)
2. **Important Terms** (with brief definitions)
3. **Relationships** (how concepts connect)
4. **Study Questions** (to test understanding)
5. **Memory Aids** (mnemonics or associations)
Format for easy review and memorization.Flashcard Generation
Create flashcards for studying ${topic:World War II}.
Source material:
${content:paste your study material here}
Format each card:
Front: Question or term
Back: Answer or definition
Hint: Optional memory aid
Categories to cover:
- Definitions (key terms)
- Concepts (main ideas)
- Relationships (how things connect)
- Applications (real-world uses)
Generate ${numberOfCards:20} cards, balanced across categories.Practice Problems
Generate practice problems for ${topic:quadratic equations}.
Difficulty levels:
- 3 Basic (test fundamental understanding)
- 3 Intermediate (require application)
- 2 Advanced (require synthesis/analysis)
For each problem:
1. Clear problem statement
2. Space for student work
3. Hints available on request
4. Detailed solution with explanation
Include variety: ${problemTypes:calculation, conceptual, application}Teaching Tools
Lesson Plan Creation
Create a lesson plan for teaching ${topic:photosynthesis}.
Context:
- Grade/Level: ${audience:8th grade science}
- Class duration: ${duration:50 minutes}
- Class size: ${classSize:25 students}
- Prior knowledge: ${prerequisites:basic cell structure}
Include:
1. **Learning Objectives** (SMART format)
2. **Opening Hook** (5 min) - engagement activity
3. **Instruction** (15-20 min) - core content delivery
4. **Guided Practice** (10 min) - work with students
5. **Independent Practice** (10 min) - students work alone
6. **Assessment** (5 min) - check understanding
7. **Closure** - summarize and preview
Materials needed: list
Differentiation strategies: for various learnersAssignment Design
Design an assignment for ${learningObjective:analyzing primary sources}.
Parameters:
- Course: ${course:AP US History}
- Due in: ${dueIn:2 weeks}
- Individual/Group: ${grouping:individual}
- Weight: ${weight:15% of grade}
Include:
1. Clear instructions
2. Grading rubric with criteria
3. Example of expected quality
4. Submission requirements
5. Academic integrity reminders
The assignment should:
- Assess ${skills:critical thinking and source evaluation}
- Allow for ${allowFor:analysis and interpretation}
- Be completable in approximately ${hours:8 hours}Quiz Generation
Create a quiz on ${topic:the American Revolution}.
Format:
- [X] Multiple choice questions (4 options each)
- [X] True/False questions
- [X] Short answer questions
- [X] One essay question
Specifications:
- Cover all key learning objectives
- Range from recall to analysis
- Include answer key with explanations
- Time estimate: ${timeEstimate:30 minutes}
- Point values for each sectionSpecialized Learning Contexts
Language Learning
Help me learn ${language:Spanish}.
Current level: ${currentLevel:A2 - elementary}
Native language: ${nativeLanguage:English}
Goals: ${goals:conversation for travel}
Today's lesson: ${focusArea:ordering food at restaurants}
Include:
1. New vocabulary (5-10 words) with:
- Pronunciation guide
- Example sentences
- Common usage notes
2. Grammar point with clear explanation
3. Practice exercises
4. Cultural context note
5. Conversation practice scenarioSkill Development
I want to learn ${skill:guitar}. Be my coach.
My current level: ${currentLevel:complete beginner}
Goal: ${goal:play 5 songs by ear}
Practice time available: ${practiceTime:30 minutes per day}
Provide:
1. Assessment of starting point
2. Breakdown of sub-skills needed
3. Practice routine (specific exercises)
4. Progress markers (how to measure improvement)
5. Common plateaus and how to overcome them
6. First week's practice plan in detailExam Preparation
Help me prepare for ${examName:the GRE}.
Exam format: ${examFormat:Verbal, Quantitative, Writing sections}
Time until exam: ${timeUntilExam:8 weeks}
My weak areas: ${weakAreas:reading comprehension, geometry}
Target score: ${targetScore:320+}
Create a study plan:
1. Topics to cover (prioritized)
2. Daily study schedule
3. Practice test strategy
4. Key formulas/facts to memorize
5. Test-taking tips specific to this exam
6. Day-before and day-of recommendationsPrompt Templates from prompts.chat
Act as a Socratic Tutor
I want you to act as a Socratic tutor. You will help me learn by asking probing questions rather than giving direct answers. When I ask about a topic, respond with questions that guide me to discover the answer myself. If I'm stuck, provide hints but not solutions. Help me develop critical thinking skills.
Act as an Educational Content Creator
I want you to act as an educational content creator. You will create engaging, accurate educational materials for ${subject:biology}. Make complex topics accessible without oversimplifying. Use analogies, examples, and visual descriptions. Include knowledge checks and encourage active learning.Act as a Study Buddy
I want you to act as my study buddy. We're studying ${subject:organic chemistry} together. Quiz me on concepts, discuss ideas, help me work through problems, and keep me motivated. Be encouraging but also challenge me to think deeper. Let's make studying interactive and effective.Accessibility in Education
Content Adaptation
Adapt this educational content for ${accessibilityNeed:dyslexia-friendly format}:
Original content:
${content:paste your content here}
Adaptation needed:
- [ ] Simplified language (lower reading level)
- [ ] Visual descriptions (for text-to-speech)
- [ ] Structured format (for cognitive accessibility)
- [ ] Extended time considerations
- [ ] Alternative explanations
Maintain:
- All key learning objectives
- Accuracy of content
- Assessment equivalenceMultiple Modalities
Present ${concept:photosynthesis} in multiple ways:
1. **Text explanation** (clear prose)
2. **Visual description** (describe a diagram)
3. **Analogy** (relate to everyday experience)
4. **Story/Narrative** (embed in a scenario)
5. **Q&A format** (question and answer)
This allows learners to engage with their preferred style.Assessment & Feedback
Providing Feedback
Provide educational feedback on this student work:
Assignment: ${assignment:5-paragraph essay on climate change}
Student submission: ${work:paste student work here}
Rubric: ${rubric:thesis clarity, evidence, organization, grammar}
Feedback format:
1. **Strengths** - What they did well (specific)
2. **Areas for improvement** - What needs work (constructive)
3. **Suggestions** - How to improve (actionable)
4. **Grade/Score** - Based on rubric
5. **Encouragement** - Motivational closing
Tone: Supportive, specific, growth-orientedSelf-Assessment Prompts
Help me assess my understanding of ${topic:the French Revolution}.
Ask me 5 questions that test:
1. Basic recall
2. Understanding
3. Application
4. Analysis
5. Synthesis/Creation
After each answer, tell me:
- What I demonstrated understanding of
- What I should review
- How to deepen my knowledge
Be honest but encouraging.Summary
Adapt to the learner's level, break complex topics into steps, include active practice (not just explanation), provide varied approaches, check understanding regularly, and give constructive feedback.
What's the most effective way to use AI for learning?
AI is a patient, always-available learning partner—use it to supplement, not replace, human instruction.