AI Guide for TTC Students

Prompt engineering is the practice of designing and refining prompts to elicit the most accurate and relevant responses from generative AI models. Understanding quality prompts is crucial because the output of these AI systems is highly dependent on the input they receive. Well-crafted prompts help ensure that the AI provides useful, precise, and contextually appropriate information, which is particularly important in educational settings. By mastering prompt engineering, students can effectively interact with AI tools, enhancing their learning experience and making the most out of the technology's capabilities.

Practical Strategies for Prompts

• Be Clear and Specific: Avoid vague language; specify exactly what you want.
• Provide Context: Include relevant background information. Briefly describe the background or situation.
• Use Complete Sentences: Write prompts in full sentences.
• Ask Direct Questions: Phrase your requests as direct questions.
• Set Constraints or Formats: Mention any specific formats or limits. For example, "Explain photosynthesis in three sentences."
• Test and Iterate: Experiment and refine based on responses.
• Avoid Ambiguities: Be precise to prevent misinterpretation.
• Use Examples: Guide the AI with relevant examples.
• Check for Bias: Write neutrally and inclusively.
• Review and Revise: Critically assess and improve your prompts.

Example Prompts

• Topic: Renewable Energy

  • Ambiguous Prompt: "Tell me about renewable energy."
  • Specific Prompt: "What are the main benefits of using solar and wind power as renewable energy sources?"

• Topic: Historical Event

  • Ambiguous Prompt: "Explain the Civil War."
  • Specific Prompt: "What were the primary causes and key outcomes of the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865?"

• Topic: Literature Analysis

  • Ambiguous Prompt: "Describe Hamlet."
  • Specific Prompt: "Summarize the main themes and character development in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'."