Imagine a super smart computer helper that’s changing how we teach and learn. That’s ChatGPT! It’s a powerful tool, but to get the best from it, you need to ask questions in the right way. Think of it like giving good instructions – the better your instructions, the better the help you get.
This guide is packed with ready-to-use questions (we call them “prompts”) to help you talk to ChatGPT. We’ve made them for everyone in education:
- Teachers: Get ideas for fun lessons, explain tricky things clearly, and save time on planning.
- Students: Understand tough topics, get help with homework, and find new ways to study.
- Researchers: Find information quickly and get ideas for your studies.
We’ve put these prompts into simple groups so you can easily find what you need. Whether you want to create a lesson, understand a new idea, get homework help, or work on a research project, these prompts are here to help.
Tips for Users:
- Be Specific: To get the best results from ChatGPT, be specific with your requests. Use the placeholders
[ ]to insert your specific details. The more detail you provide, the better the AI’s response will be. - Iterate: If the first response isn’t perfect, refine your prompt or ask follow-up questions (e.g., “Can you make that simpler?” or “Can you add more detail about X?”).
- Define Roles: You can ask ChatGPT to “Act as a…” (e.g., “Act as a historian,” “Act as a Socratic tutor,” “Act as a curriculum developer”).
- Specify Format: Ask for information in bullet points, tables, paragraphs, etc.
- Critical Evaluation: Always review and critically evaluate the information provided by ChatGPT. It’s a powerful tool to assist, not replace, human expertise, judgment, and ethical considerations.
I. Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development
- Comprehensive Lesson Plan:
Generate a detailed lesson plan for a[grade level][subject]class on[topic]. Include:- Learning objectives (SMART goals)
[Number]engaging activities (with instructions)- Assessment methods (formative and summative)
- Differentiation strategies for
[specific student need or diverse learners, e.g., ESL students, students with dyslexia] - Required materials and estimated time for each activity.
- Engaging Introduction/Hook:
Create an engaging introduction to the topic of[topic]for[grade level]students to spark their curiosity. - Learning Objectives:
Develop[number]SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) learning objectives for a unit on[topic]for[grade level]students. - Activity Ideas:
Suggest[number]creative and interactive learning activities for[grade level]students to understand[specific concept or skill]in[subject]. For each activity, briefly describe the setup and learning outcome. - Project-Based Learning (PBL) Outline:
Design a project-based learning (PBL) unit outline for[topic]suitable for[grade level]students. Include a compelling driving question, key milestones, potential student products, and ideas for assessment rubrics. Consider how to incorporate exploration of[real-world problem]. - Discussion Prompts for Critical Thinking:
Generate[number]thought-provoking discussion questions about[topic or text e.g., literary work, historical event]to encourage critical thinking among[grade level]students. - Managing Classroom Discussions:
Suggest strategies for managing classroom discussions effectively and respectfully, especially when covering sensitive topics like[sensitive topic]with[grade level]students.
II. Content Creation & Concept Explanation
- Explaining Complex Concepts Simply:
Explain the concept of[complex concept e.g., photosynthesis, Pythagorean theorem, economic inflation]as if you were talking to a[grade level]student. Use an analogy or a real-world example to make it more understandable. - Summarizing Key Information:
Summarize the key arguments, findings, and conclusions of the following text in approximately[word count]words. Identify the main thesis and supporting evidence. Here is the text:[paste text here] - Historical Event Summary:
Provide a concise summary of[historical event]focusing on its main causes, key figures, and significant effects, suitable for a[grade level]history class. - Real-World Applications:
Generate a list of[number]real-world examples where the[scientific principle or mathematical concept]is applied. - Describing Artistic/Literary Movements:
Describe the key characteristics, influential figures, and historical significance of the[artistic movement e.g., Impressionism, Romanticism]or[literary genre e.g., Magical Realism, Gothic Literature]. - Illustrative Story for Ethical Concepts:
Generate a short story or narrative suitable for[grade level]students that illustrates the moral or lesson of[ethical concept e.g., honesty, empathy, perseverance].
III. Assessment & Feedback
- Quiz/Test Creation:
Create a[number]-question quiz on[topic]for[grade level]students at a[difficulty level e.g., beginner, intermediate, challenging]level. Include[specify types e.g., 3 multiple-choice, 2 short answer, 1 true/false]questions. Provide an answer key. - Rubric Development:
Develop a rubric for assessing a[type of assignment e.g., research paper, oral presentation, science project]on[topic]for[grade level]. The rubric should include criteria such as[criterion 1],[criterion 2],[criterion 3], and[criterion 4]with descriptions for different performance levels (e.g., excellent, proficient, developing, needs improvement). - Providing Constructive Feedback (Teacher Perspective):
Act as a[subject]teacher. Review the following student work on[topic]and provide constructive feedback. Focus on[specific criteria e.g., argument strength, clarity, grammar, use of evidence, structure]. Here is the work:[paste student text here]
(Note: Be mindful of student privacy and data protection policies when pasting student work). - Identifying & Addressing Misconceptions:
Generate a list of common misconceptions[grade level]students might have about[topic in subject]and suggest clear explanations or activities to address them. - Generating Example Answers:
Provide an exemplary model answer to the following essay question, suitable for a[grade level]student:[essay question]
IV. Personalized Learning & Differentiation
- Differentiation Strategies:
Suggest[number]ways to differentiate instruction for a lesson on[topic]to support students with[specific learning need e.g., ADHD, visual impairment, gifted learners, VAK preferences]in a[grade level]classroom. - Resources for Struggling Students:
Recommend[number]engaging and age-appropriate (for[grade level]) resources (e.g., videos, interactive simulations, simplified articles) to help a student understand the concept of[difficult concept]in[subject]. - Extension Activities for Advanced Learners:
Suggest[number]challenging extension activities related to[topic]for[grade level]students who have already mastered the core concepts.
V. Student Study Aids & Homework Assistance
- Key Takeaways for Tests:
What are the most important concepts/facts/formulas to remember about[topic]from my[subject]class for an upcoming test? I am in[grade level]. - Understanding Terminology:
Help me understand the difference between[term A]and[term B]in the context of[subject]. - Step-by-Step Problem Solving Guide:
Create a clear, step-by-step guide to solve[type of problem e.g., a quadratic equation, balancing a chemical equation, analyzing a poem]. Use an example like:[specific problem instance or poem title]. - Literary Theme Analysis:
What are the main themes in[literary work]by[author]? Provide examples from the text if possible. - Historical Timeline Generation:
Generate a timeline of[number]key events related to[historical period or topic e.g., the American Civil War, the Renaissance]with brief descriptions for each. - Flashcard Content:
Generate a list of[number]key terms and their concise definitions for the topic of[topic], suitable for creating flashcards for a[grade level]student. - Practice Question Generation:
Generate[number]practice questions, similar to what I might see on an exam, for my[subject]class, covering[specific chapters or topics]. Include different question types if possible.
VI. Research & Information Literacy
- Brainstorming Research Questions (Student):
I need to do a project on[general project topic]for my[subject]class. Can you help me brainstorm[number]potential research questions I could explore? - Finding Credible Sources:
Identify[number]credible academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles, reputable organizational websites, academic books) published in the last[number]years relevant to the research question:[your research question]. - Explaining Research Methods:
Explain the[specific research method e.g., qualitative analysis, experimental design, survey methodology]in simple terms, including its strengths and weaknesses, as if explaining to a[grade level]student or someone new to research.
VII. Creative Thinking, Writing & Presentation Skills
- Essay Idea Brainstorming:
Help me brainstorm[number]ideas for an essay on[essay topic]for my[grade level][subject]class. - Story Ideas/Prompts:
Brainstorm[number]unique story ideas for a[genre e.g., sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction]story. Each idea should include a potential protagonist, a central conflict, and a setting. The story should be appropriate for[target audience age group]. - Plot Development:
Help me outline a plot for a short story about[brief story premise]. Suggest a compelling inciting incident, 3-4 key rising action points, a climax, falling action, and a satisfying resolution. - Character Development:
Help me develop a character for my story. The character is a[basic description e.g., young wizard, reluctant hero, curious scientist]. Suggest potential motivations, flaws, strengths, and a character arc related to the theme of[story theme]. - Poetry Generation (with Constraints):
Write a[type of poem e.g., haiku, sonnet, limerick, free verse poem]about[subject or theme]with a[specific mood e.g., joyful, melancholy, hopeful]tone. - Presentation Outline:
Can you help me outline a[duration e.g., 10-minute]presentation about[presentation topic]? I need an introduction,[number]main points with brief explanations, and a conclusion. - Critique Writing (Student Perspective):
Critique this paragraph I wrote for my[subject]essay on[topic]:[paste paragraph here]. Focus on improving its clarity, argumentation, and use of evidence.
VIII. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Argument Analysis:
Analyze the main arguments, underlying assumptions, and potential biases in the following statement/text:[paste statement or text here]. Identify any logical fallacies if present. - Pros and Cons Analysis:
Outline the main arguments for (pros) and against (cons)[controversial issue or decision e.g., using renewable energy, implementing a school uniform policy, a specific student dilemma]. For each point, provide a brief explanation. - Socratic Questioning:
Pose[number]Socratic questions to stimulate deeper critical thinking about[topic or dilemma e.g., the ethics of AI, the causes of the French Revolution]. - Problem-Solving Scenarios:
Present a hypothetical scenario:[describe a challenging situation relevant to a subject or real life]. Ask me to identify the core problem, brainstorm potential solutions, and evaluate the pros and cons of each solution.
IX. Language Learning & Practice
- Translation & Tone:
Translate the following English text into[target language], maintaining a[formal/informal/neutral]tone appropriate for[context e.g., a business email, a casual conversation]:[text to translate] - Grammar Correction & Explanation:
I am learning[target language]. Please correct the grammar, suggest improvements for word choice and style, and explain the corrections for the following sentence(s):[your sentence(s) in target language] - Dialogue Creation for Practice:
Create a short dialogue in[target language](with English translation if needed) between two people discussing[topic of conversation e.g., making plans for the weekend, ordering food at a restaurant]at a[beginner/intermediate/advanced]level. I want to practice[specific grammar point or vocabulary set]. - Vocabulary in Context:
Provide[number]example sentences in[target language]using the vocabulary word[vocabulary word], suitable for a[learner level]learner, showing different contexts if possible.
X. STEM Exploration
- Explaining Scientific Principles with Analogies:
Explain the scientific principle of[scientific principle e.g., natural selection, thermodynamics, plate tectonics]using a clear analogy or real-world example suitable for a[grade level]student. - Solving & Explaining STEM Problems:
Walk me through solving this[type of STEM problem e.g., physics kinematics problem, stoichiometry problem, calculus derivative]problem, explaining each step and the reasoning behind it:[problem statement and any given data]. - Experiment Design Ideas:
Suggest a simple and safe science experiment that[grade level]students can conduct to demonstrate the principle of[scientific concept e.g., density, acid-base reactions, plant growth].
XI. Student Success & Skill Development
- Improving Study Habits:
I’m looking to improve my study habits for[subject or general studies]. Can you suggest[number]effective strategies, tools, or routines I could try?
XII. Administrative & Communication (for Educators)
- Parent Communication (General):
Draft a professional and informative email to parents of[grade level]students about[event or topic e.g., an upcoming field trip, parent-teacher conferences, a new class policy]. Include key dates, purpose, any required action from parents, and contact information. - Parent Communication (Unit Overview):
Draft an email to parents of[grade level]students explaining the upcoming unit on[topic in subject]. Include a brief overview of what students will learn and suggest[number]ways parents can support their child’s learning at home. - Meeting Agenda:
Create a meeting agenda for a[type of meeting e.g., department meeting, PLC meeting]to discuss[main topic of meeting]. Include time allocations for each agenda item:[item 1],[item 2],[item 3]. - Generating Icebreakers:
Generate[number]engaging icebreaker questions or short activities suitable for a[grade level][subject]class at the beginning of the[semester/year/unit].
XIII. Prompts for Educational Researchers
- Literature Review Summary:
Provide a summary of recent research (last[number]years) on[research topic area e.g., the impact of technology on student engagement, effective strategies for teaching math to diverse learners]. Highlight key findings and emerging trends. - Identifying Themes in Literature:
Identify key themes, ongoing debates, and methodological approaches in the academic literature regarding[specific educational theory or practice e.g., constructivist learning theory, project-based assessment]. - Generating Research Questions:
Based on the current state of research on[topic e.g., gamification in education], suggest[number]potential research questions that could address gaps or extend existing knowledge. - Seminal Study Analysis:
Outline the main research questions, methodologies, key findings, and impact of[number]seminal studies on[research topic e.g., Dweck's mindset theory, Bloom's Taxonomy]. - Research Methodology Critique:
Explain the primary strengths and weaknesses of using[research methodology e.g., qualitative case study, quantitative longitudinal survey, mixed-methods approach]to investigate the research question:[your research question]. - Identifying Study Variables:
Generate a list of potential independent, dependent, and confounding variables to consider when designing a study to investigate the impact of[independent variable e.g., a new teaching intervention]on[dependent variable e.g., student test scores]in a[specific educational setting]. - Drafting Consent Form Components:
Draft key components for an informed consent form template for an educational research study involving[participant group e.g., K-12 students, teachers, university students]on the topic of[research topic]. Include sections for purpose, procedures, risks/benefits, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. - Qualitative Data Analysis Steps:
Summarize the key steps involved in conducting a thematic analysis of[qualitative data type e.g., interview transcripts, classroom observation notes]. - Initial Hypotheses from Data (Conceptual):
Given an (anonymized) dataset containing information on[describe variables in dataset e.g., student demographics, attendance records, assessment scores], what are[number]initial hypotheses one could explore regarding[phenomenon of interest e.g., factors influencing academic achievement]? - Avoiding Statistical Errors:
Explain[number]common statistical errors or misinterpretations to avoid when analyzing quantitative survey data on[topic e.g., student satisfaction with online learning]. - Research Paper Structure:
Outline a standard research paper structure (e.g., IMRaD) for a study on[research topic]that employed[research methodology]. Briefly describe the content of each section. - Abstract Generation:
Generate a concise abstract (approximately[word count e.g., 250]words) for a hypothetical research paper with the following key elements:- Introduction/Background:
[brief context and problem statement] - Methods:
[brief description of methodology and sample] - Key Findings:
[summary of most important results] - Conclusion/Implications:
[main takeaway and significance]
- Introduction/Background:
- Identifying Target Journals:
Suggest[number]potential peer-reviewed academic journals that might be interested in publishing a manuscript about[research topic e.g., teacher professional development for AI integration]focusing on[specific angle or finding e.g., its impact on teacher efficacy].
Also, Check These Prompts:
- This is a great overview for educators. For more specific roles, check out our Prompts for Teachers.
- To help your students get the most out of AI, share our guide on Prompts for Learning.