Discussions about Artificial Intelligence (AI): Preparing for AI in your class

Frameworks for Creating Effective Prompts

Basic frameworks to craft effective prompts for generative AI. 

Role – Task – Format (RTF)

• Act as a Role
• Create a Task
• Show as Format

Example:

Act as a high school science teacher. You need to introduce your students to concepts about a total solar eclipse happening in a few weeks. What are some projects you can do to demonstrate these concepts?

Task – Action – Goal (TAG)

1. Define Task
2. state the Action
3. clarify the Goal

Example

You need to assess a student who is not a native English speaker. As the teacher, you will need strategies to support the student during the assessment. What strategies can support the student?

Before – After – Bridge (BAB)

1. explain problem Before
2. state outcome After
3. ask for the Bridge

Example

My students are not enjoying my algebra lessons. I would like them to find joy in algebra. Can you create some classroom activities that would help make algebra interesting?

Context – Action – Result – Example (CARE)

1. Give the Context
2. Describe Action
3. Clarify the Result
4. Give the Example

Example

I am interested in creating rules to gamify my information literacy course. I would like to create rules based on Advanced Dungeons and Dragons so that each student achieves a grade through experience. Assignments would be quests that can be completed for experience, and I would like to develop character stats that can evaluate student progress. Can you give me an example of a game system that would work to support this idea?

Role – Input – Steps – Expectation (RISE)

1. specify the Role
2. describe Input
3. ask for Steps
4. describe the Expectation

Example

You are a high school history teacher. Students have been studying the civil rights movement. Can you provide step by step writing prompts to help them write an essay on the history of civil rights? I would like the instructions to work with any topics my students come up with.

Considerations When Using These Frameworks

We need to be aware of the benefits and challenges of using frameworks, and not take them for granted. We need to adapt and revise frameworks based on new data and feedback, and not stick to them dogmatically.

1. Reductionism: Each framework reduces complex conversational dynamics to a formula. Language, however, is inherently fluid and often defies such strict structuring.
2. Creativity Confinement: By adhering to a set framework, there’s a risk of curbing the generative and imaginative potential of AI. The models don’t account for the serendipity of conversation—those magical and unexpected turns that yield the most innovative ideas.
3. Linear Limitations: The BAB and TAG models, for example, imply a linear progression of thought. Yet, problem-solving is rarely a straight line; it’s a web of interconnected thoughts and recursive steps.
4. Role Rigidity: The RTF and RISE models lock ChatGPT into predefined roles, which may inhibit its capacity to draw from its extensive knowledge base that transcends such roles.
5. Example Excess: The CARE model’s emphasis on examples could lead to an overreliance on existing patterns, potentially discouraging unique solutions.

Some tips on how to use frameworks wisely:

• Use frameworks as a starting point, not an end point. Frameworks can help you to organize your thoughts and ideas, but they should not constrain your exploration and experimentation. You should be open to modifying, combining, or discarding frameworks as you learn more about the problem and the solution.
• Use frameworks as a reference, not a rule. Frameworks can help you to compare and contrast different approaches and methods, but they should not dictate your choices and actions. You should be critical and selective of the frameworks you use, and evaluate them based on their suitability and effectiveness for your specific context and goal.
• Use frameworks as a tool, not a voice. Frameworks can help you to communicate and explain your work and results, but they should not overshadow your own voice and perspective. You should be clear and transparent about the frameworks you use, and acknowledge their strengths and limitations.