Smarter Teaching, Not Harder: ChatGPT Prompts for High School Educators

Imagine having a versatile assistant ready to help you draft lesson plans, generate creative examples, develop rubrics, and even suggest ways to engage your most reluctant learners. With the right approach, ChatGPT can be that assistant for high school teachers. The secret? It all comes down to the prompts you use.

This guide offers a meticulously compiled list of prompts, created with the high school classroom in mind. From simplifying complex theories to crafting thought-provoking discussion questions and supporting diverse learning needs, these prompts are designed to deliver useful, relevant outputs.

Move beyond generic AI interactions. Discover how strategic prompting can make ChatGPT a powerful and efficient tool in your teaching arsenal.

To get the most out of ChatGPT, it’s crucial to provide clear, specific, and well-structured prompts. Replace the bracketed placeholders [like this] with your specific details.

Tips for Using These Prompts:

• Iterate: If the first response isn’t perfect, refine your prompt or ask follow-up questions. For example, “Can you make that more concise?” or “Can you give me three more examples, but focus on X?”
• Set the Role (Optional but helpful): You can start a conversation by saying, “Act as an expert high school [Subject] teacher and curriculum developer.”
• Critical Evaluation: Always review ChatGPT’s output for accuracy, appropriateness, and pedagogical soundness before using it directly. It’s a tool to assist, not replace, your professional judgment.

I. Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development

1. Comprehensive Lesson Plan:
   Develop a [Duration, e.g., 50-minute] lesson plan for a high school [Subject, e.g., Biology] class on [Specific Topic, e.g., cellular respiration]. Include:
   • Learning objectives (using Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs if possible).
   • A warm-up activity ([e.g., 5 minutes]).
   • Main instructional activities with estimated timings ([e.g., direct instruction, group work, independent practice]).
   • Materials and resources needed.
   • A formative assessment check ([e.g., exit ticket, quick quiz]).
   • Ideas for differentiation for [e.g., struggling learners and advanced learners].
2. Unit Outline:
   Outline a [Duration, e.g., 3-week] unit plan for [Subject, e.g., US History] on [Unit Topic, e.g., The Great Depression]. Include key learning outcomes, essential questions, major summative assessments (e.g., [exam, project, essay]), and potential interdisciplinary connections with [Another Subject, e.g., English Literature].
3. Skill-Focused Unit Plan:
   Outline a unit plan for teaching the [Specific Writing/Academic Skill, e.g., argumentative writing / literary analysis / data interpretation] to [Grade Level] students in [Subject]. Include [Number, e.g., 3-5] scaffolded activities leading to a culminating task.
4. Project-Based Learning Idea:
   Brainstorm [Number, e.g., 3] innovative project-based learning ideas for a [Grade Level, e.g., 10th grade] [Subject, e.g., Physics] class studying [Unit Topic, e.g., Newton's Laws of Motion]. For each idea, suggest a driving question, key student tasks, and a potential final product or presentation format.
5. Integrating Technology into Lessons:
   How can I effectively integrate [Specific Technology, e.g., interactive whiteboards / online simulations / a specific app] into my [Subject] lessons on [Topic, e.g., molecular geometry / analyzing primary sources] to improve student learning outcomes and engagement?
6. Integrating Current Events:
   Suggest ways to integrate the current event of [Specific Current Event, e.g., a recent AI development] into a lesson on [Related Topic, e.g., ethics in technology / career pathways] for a [Subject] class. Provide specific discussion questions or activity ideas.
7. Integrating 21st-Century Skills:
   How can I integrate the 21st-century skill of [Specific Skill, e.g., collaboration / media literacy / critical thinking] into my lessons on [Topic] in [Subject]? Provide [Number, e.g., 2-3] concrete activity examples.
8. Integrating STEM into Non-STEM Subjects:
   Suggest [Number, e.g., 2-3] practical ways to integrate STEM concepts or approaches into a [Non-STEM Subject, e.g., History / English Literature] unit on [Specific Topic, e.g., the Industrial Revolution / dystopian fiction].

II. Explaining & Simplifying Complex Concepts

1. Concept Explanation with Analogy:
   Explain the concept of [Complex Concept, e.g., irony in literature / quantum entanglement / the Federal Reserve system] in simple terms suitable for a [Grade Level, e.g., 9th grade] student. Include a clear analogy and a real-world example to aid understanding.
2. Multi-Perspective Explanation:
   Describe [Historical Event/Scientific Process/Literary Theme, e.g., the American Civil War] from the perspectives of [Number, e.g., three] different [Roles/Groups, e.g., an enslaved person, a Union soldier, a Southern plantation owner] to make it more engaging and nuanced for high school students.
3. Visual Explanation Ideas:
   Suggest [Number, e.g., 3] visual ways (e.g., diagrams, flowcharts, infographics) to explain [Complex Process or System, e.g., the Krebs cycle / how gerrymandering works]. Briefly describe what each visual would show.

III. Generating Content, Examples & Practice Problems

1. Real-World Application Examples:
   Generate [Number, e.g., 5] diverse real-world examples illustrating [Abstract Concept/Principle, e.g., exponential decay / logical fallacies / poetic meter] relevant to high school students.
2. Targeted Practice Problems:
   Create [Number, e.g., 5] practice word problems for [Math/Science Topic, e.g., kinematic equations / balancing chemical equations] that relate to [Real-world Context, e.g., sports scenarios / environmental science / engineering challenges]. Include a step-by-step solution for one of them.
3. Creative Writing Prompts:
   Generate [Number, e.g., 5] creative writing prompts for high school students based on the theme of [Theme, e.g., identity / social justice] exploring [Literary Device/Style, e.g., magical realism or stream of consciousness].

IV. Assessment, Feedback & Grading

1. Quiz Question Generation:
   Generate a [Number, e.g., 10-question] [Type of Quiz, e.g., multiple-choice / short answer / true-false] quiz on [Specific Topic, e.g., the key figures of the Renaissance]. For multiple-choice, provide 4 answer options and indicate the correct answer. Ensure questions test [e.g., recall, understanding, and application].
2. Rubric Development:
   Develop a rubric to assess a [Type of Assignment, e.g., research paper / lab experiment / group presentation] on [Topic/Skill]. The rubric should include [Number, e.g., 4-5] criteria such as [Criterion 1, e.g., Thesis/Argument], [Criterion 2, e.g., Use of Evidence], [Criterion 3, e.g., Analysis], and [Criterion 4, e.g., Conventions]. Provide [Number, e.g., 3-4] performance levels (e.g., Exemplary, Proficient, Developing, Needs Improvement) with clear descriptors for each.
3. Designing Engaging Assessments:
   Design an engaging alternative assessment for a [Subject] unit on [Topic] that accurately measures student mastery of [Learning Objective, e.g., their ability to analyze historical causation] while allowing for [Type of Student Expression, e.g., creative problem-solving / multimedia presentation / debate performance].
4. Alternative Evaluation Methods:
   What are [Number, e.g., 3-4] effective methods, beyond traditional tests, for evaluating student understanding of the complex concept of [Complex Concept, e.g., genetic drift / dramatic irony / economic inflation] in [Subject]?
5. Constructive Feedback Stems:
   Provide [Number, e.g., 3-5] constructive feedback sentence starters or questions I can use when reviewing student work on [Specific Skill or Assignment, e.g., developing a strong thesis / citing sources correctly]. Focus on encouraging self-reflection and identifying specific next steps.
6. Student Self-Reflection Questions:
   Develop a set of [Number, e.g., 5] reflection questions to help students evaluate their own learning process and identify areas for growth after completing a [Type of Project or Assignment, e.g., major research paper / collaborative project].
7. Using Formative Assessment Data:
   How can I effectively use formative assessment data from [Specific Formative Assessment, e.g., exit tickets / think-pair-share responses / concept maps] to guide my instructional planning for upcoming lessons on [Topic]?
8. Analyzing Summative Assessment Data:
   How can I analyze student performance data from [Type of Assessment, e.g., a unit exam / standardized test scores] to identify common misconceptions or learning gaps related to [Topic/Skill] and inform my future teaching strategies for [Specific Student Group, e.g., all students / a particular subgroup]?
9. Efficient Grading Strategies:
   Provide a step-by-step guide or [Number, e.g., 3-5] actionable strategies for efficiently organizing and grading [Type of Assignment, e.g., essays / lab reports / student projects] for a class of [Number, e.g., 30] students while maintaining quality feedback.
10. Addressing Student Error Patterns:
    A student consistently makes [Type of Error, e.g., run-on sentences / errors in mole calculations]. Suggest potential underlying reasons for this error and provide [Number, e.g., 2-3] targeted strategies or mini-lessons to help address it.

V. Differentiated Instruction & Inclusive Practices

1. Differentiating an Activity:
   I have a lesson on [Topic, e.g., interpreting Shakespearean language]. Suggest [Number, e.g., 3] ways to differentiate the main activity, which is [Describe Activity, e.g., annotating a soliloquy], for:
   • Students who need more support ([e.g., students with reading difficulties, English Language Learners at an intermediate level]).
   • Students who need an extension challenge ([e.g., gifted and talented students]).
2. Adapting Materials for Specific Needs:
   How can I adapt this [Type of Material, e.g., dense academic article / primary source document: (Optionally, paste a short excerpt)] on [Topic] for a student with [Specific Learning Need, e.g., dyslexia / executive functioning challenges / low prior knowledge]?
3. Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs):
   What are [Number, e.g., 3-5] effective strategies for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) at a [Specific Language Proficiency Level, e.g., beginner / intermediate] in a mainstream [Subject] classroom when teaching the complex topic of [Complex Topic, e.g., figurative language / abstract scientific theories]?
4. Creating an Inclusive Classroom Environment:
   Provide [Number, e.g., 3-5] actionable steps to create a more inclusive and welcoming classroom environment that respects and values students from diverse [e.g., cultural backgrounds, linguistic backgrounds, and with varied learning abilities], particularly when discussing [Potentially sensitive topic, e.g., historical injustices / diverse family structures].

VI. Classroom Management & Positive Learning Environment

1. Proactive Behavior Management:
   What are [Number, e.g., 3-5] proactive strategies for managing [Specific Common Classroom Behavior, e.g., students talking out of turn / off-task use of devices / lack of participation] in a high school [Subject] classroom?
2. Building Positive Classroom Culture:
   Suggest [Number, e.g., 3-5] practical ways to build a positive classroom culture that encourages [Desired Trait, e.g., collaboration / mutual respect / intellectual curiosity] among [Grade Level] students.
3. Facilitating Sensitive Discussions:
   How can I structure and facilitate productive, respectful, and inclusive class discussions about [Sensitive or Complex Topic, e.g., climate change debates / interpretations of a controversial historical figure / ethical dilemmas in science] in my [Subject] class?
4. Fostering a Culture of Responsible Risk-Taking:
   How can I create a classroom culture that values and encourages responsible intellectual risk-taking and learning from mistakes, especially when students are tackling [Challenging Concept or Skill, e.g., advanced mathematical proofs / performing in a foreign language / public speaking]?

VII. Student Engagement & Motivation

1. Engaging Lesson Hooks:
   Brainstorm [Number, e.g., 3] engaging opening activities (hooks or bell-ringers) for a lesson on [Topic, e.g., the Bill of Rights / photosynthesis]. Each should take no more than [Time, e.g., 5-7 minutes] and connect to prior knowledge or pique curiosity.
2. Enhancing Engagement Strategies:
   Suggest [Number, e.g., 3-5] diverse strategies to enhance student engagement and active participation while teaching [Specific Concept or Skill, e.g., analyzing poetic devices / solving multi-step equations] in a [Subject] class.
3. Fostering Creativity:
   Suggest [Number, e.g., 3] ways to foster creativity and innovative thinking when teaching [Topic, e.g., historical narrative writing / designing a scientific experiment / interpreting a piece of art] in [Subject].
4. Encouraging Student Ownership:
   How can I encourage high school students to take greater ownership of their learning and develop intrinsic motivation when studying [Challenging Topic or Unit, e.g., research methodologies / complex literary theory] in [Subject]?
5. Effective Group Work Strategies:
   What are best practices for structuring and facilitating effective group work for [Type of Task, e.g., collaborative problem-solving / research and presentation projects] in a [Subject] classroom to ensure equitable participation and accountability?
6. Motivating Students with Specific Challenges:
   Provide [Number, e.g., 2-3] evidence-based strategies for motivating students who [Specific Motivational Challenge, e.g., seem disengaged due to past failures / exhibit a fear of making mistakes / struggle with sustained attention] in [Subject].
7. Encouraging Intellectual Risk-Taking:
   What are [Number, e.g., 3] ways to encourage students to take intellectual risks, ask challenging questions, and think innovatively when working on [Type of Task, e.g., open-ended problems / creative assignments / debate preparation] in [Subject]?
8. Using Technology for Creativity:
   How can I effectively use [Specific Technology Tool, e.g., video editing software / mind-mapping tools / coding platforms] to support student creativity and expression in a [Subject] project about [Topic]?
9. Gamification Ideas:
   Suggest [Number, e.g., 2-3] ways to gamify a review session or learning activity for [Unit Topic, e.g., key vocabulary for 'Animal Farm' / the periodic table elements] in my [Subject] class to increase engagement and retention.

VIII. Developing Key Student Skills

1. Scaffolding Complex Skills:
   Outline a sequence of activities to scaffold the skill of [Complex Skill, e.g., writing a multi-paragraph analytical essay / conducting independent research / delivering a persuasive speech] for [Grade Level] students in [Subject]. Start from foundational elements and build towards mastery.
2. Teaching Specific Problem-Solving Skills:
   What are [Number, e.g., 2-3] effective methods for explicitly teaching the problem-solving skill of [Specific Skill, e.g., troubleshooting a failed experiment / deconstructing a complex math problem / evaluating conflicting historical accounts] within the context of [Subject]?
3. Socratic Questioning:
   Generate a list of [Number, e.g., 5-7] Socratic questions to help students explore the deeper assumptions, implications, and alternative viewpoints related to [Theme/Concept/Problem, e.g., the nature of power in 'Julius Caesar' / the ethics of genetic engineering / the causes of economic inequality].
4. Analyzing Arguments & Bias:
   Provide a framework or a set of [Number, e.g., 5-7] guiding questions students can use to critically analyze [Type of Source, e.g., a news editorial / a political advertisement / a scientific claim in popular media] for [e.g., underlying assumptions, bias, logical fallacies, and the strength of evidence].
5. Teaching Critical Reading Skills:
   Describe [Number, e.g., 3] effective techniques for teaching critical reading skills to high school students when they are analyzing [Type of Text, e.g., primary historical documents / dense scientific articles / nuanced literary criticism].
6. Teaching Digital Literacy Skills:
   Outline key components of a lesson designed to teach [Grade Level] students the digital literacy skill of [Specific Skill, e.g., evaluating the credibility of online sources / understanding digital privacy / identifying misinformation].
7. Teaching Information Literacy Skills:
   What are [Number, e.g., 3] effective methods for teaching information literacy skills, such as [Specific Skill, e.g., formulating effective search queries / synthesizing information from multiple sources / ethical use of information] to high school students in the context of a research project on [Topic]?
8. Effective Study Strategies:
   Suggest [Number, e.g., 3-5] effective and varied study strategies for high school students preparing for a [Type of Assessment, e.g., comprehensive final exam / Document Based Question essay / oral presentation] in [Subject].

IX. Professional Development & Teacher Communication

1. Summarizing Educational Research:
   Summarize the key findings and practical classroom implications for high school teachers from this research article/abstract on [Educational Topic, e.g., culturally responsive pedagogy / the impact of formative assessment]: [Paste link or abstract if available, otherwise describe the study focus].
2. Drafting Parent Communication (Specific Issue):
   Draft a polite and professional email template to a parent regarding [Student Issue, e.g., a student's consistent missing homework / a positive behavior observed / an upcoming parent-teacher conference]. The tone should be [e.g., concerned and collaborative / informative and positive]. Include placeholders for student name and specific details.
3. Parent Communication Methods:
   Suggest [Number, e.g., 3-4] effective methods for communicating with parents/guardians about [General Area, e.g., student progress and achievements / classroom expectations / upcoming major assignments], including an example of how to use [Specific Communication Channel, e.g., a class newsletter / a brief phone call script].
4. Exploring New Teaching Tools/Methodologies:
   I’m interested in learning more about [Type of EdTech Tool or Pedagogy, e.g., AI-powered grading assistants / inquiry-based learning / trauma-informed teaching practices]. What are the potential benefits and challenges for a [Subject] high school classroom, and suggest [Number, e.g., 1-2] initial steps or resources to explore it further?
5. Staying Current with Methodologies & Technology:
   What are [Number, e.g., 3] effective ways for a high school [Subject] teacher to stay current with new teaching methodologies, subject-specific advancements, and relevant [Specific Type of Technology, e.g., educational apps / data analysis tools / virtual labs]?
6. Networking with Colleagues:
   How can I effectively network with other [Subject] teachers (online or in-person) to share [Specific Resources or Strategies, e.g., successful differentiation techniques / engaging project ideas / classroom management tips]?
7. Identifying PD Resources:
   Identify [Number, e.g., 2-3] high-quality resources (e.g., reputable journals, professional organizations, online courses, influential blogs) for ongoing professional development focused on [Specific Pedagogical Area, e.g., assessment for learning / teaching students with diverse needs / integrating educational technology].
8. Self-Reflection for Professional Growth:
   What are [Number, e.g., 3-4] actionable strategies or reflection prompts for a teacher to engage in meaningful self-reflection and promote their professional growth in the area of [Specific Area of Teaching, e.g., fostering student collaboration / providing effective feedback / managing classroom transitions]?

Also, Check These Prompts:

• Many of these principles can be adapted for your specific subject matter. For a great example of subject-specific prompts, see our guide on Prompts for History Teachers.
• It’s also beneficial to understand the student’s perspective. See what kind of questions they might be asking with our Prompts for High School Students.
• Understand the bigger picture of AI in the classroom with our Prompts for Education.