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Prompting AI for Innovative Lesson Plans


Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content and ideas, such as images, videos, music, and text. It learns from existing data to generate new, original content and it is revolutionizing the way we teach.


Some of the most popular examples of generative AI tools include ChatGPT and Google Gemini.


Both of them can help by providing innovative lesson plan ideas and significantly enhance your teaching practices. However, to use its full potential, you need to know how to prompt it effectively.


A meme showing a person with a happy and confused face when they realize ChatGPT can do their job for them
Image source: https://thelanguagenerds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/clipimage-650af56ea09ab__700.jpg

Understanding the Prompting Process


Prompting in the context of AI refers to the process of providing specific instructions or requests to an AI model to guide its response or output. It's like giving a specific task or question to the AI, shaping its understanding and the quality of its generated response.   


Think of a prompt as a seed you plant in the AI's mind. The more specific and detailed your seed, the more fruitful the harvest.


Step-by-Step Guide to Prompting AI for Lesson Plan Ideas


  1. Define Your Objective:

    • Clearly articulate what you want to achieve with the lesson.

    • Consider the learning outcomes, the age group, and the subject matter.

  2. Provide Specific Details:

    • Subject and Grade Level: Clearly specify the subject and grade level.

    • Topic: Narrow down the specific topic within the subject.

    • Learning Objectives: Outline the key learning objectives you want to accomplish.

    • Student Engagement Strategies: Suggest specific strategies like games, discussions, or projects.

  3. Experiment with Different Prompts:

    • Try different phrasings and wordings to get varied results.

    • Use keywords to guide the AI's response.


Example Prompt


Try using this prompt with a generative AI tool and see what the results will be: "Create a lesson plan for a 7th-grade science class on the topic of climate change. The lesson should include a hands-on experiment and a group discussion. The learning objectives should be to understand the causes and effects of climate change, and to evaluate potential solutions."


Now try creating your own prompt by using the prompt above as a guide. Use information pertaining to your desired lesson plan for a specific class.


An exhausted man meme representing ChatGPT after dealing with humans all day
Image source: https://runtheprompts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/chatgpt-hero4-2.jpg

Benefits and Risks of Using AI for Lesson Plan Ideas


Using AI for lesson plan ideas can be time-saving, as AI can quickly generate a variety of lesson plan ideas. It can also offer innovative ideas on creative and unconventional approaches to teaching. What's more, AI can help tailor lesson plans to the specific needs of your students giving you ideas for personalized learning, there are some things to keep in mind.


However, while AI can provide ideas, it's essential to critically evaluate and adapt them to your specific classroom context. You should also ensure that the generated lesson plans align with your teaching philosophy and values and you should avoid overreliance on AI. Use it as a tool to enhance your creativity, not replace it.


Remember, the key to successful AI-assisted lesson planning is to use it as a tool to inspire and support your teaching practice.


Wanna learn more about how to use AI tools in your everyday work as a teacher? Join our teacher training course on AI in education.

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