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AI Tools: Prompting

Artificial Intelligence has exploded in the last year. This guide aims to point to tools that can be used to assist in education.

CLEAR Method

The CLEAR method of prompting was developed by Dr. Leo Lo of the University of New Mexico.

Make sure your prompts are:

Concise - Use clear, simple language.  Be succinct.

Logical - Structure information in order.  Establish context and relationships

Explicit - Define instructions and format of response. Specify length and terminology. Set tone and reading level. Provide examples.

Adaptive - Use an iterative process. Rephrase if not getting the right results. Adjust parameters

Reflective - Identify areas for improvement. Refine.

Prompt Format

Here's a basic formula that can be used:

Declare a ROLE. Give CONTEXT. Give INSTRUCTIONS and specify FORMAT.

Provide examples if needed.

If you are asking it to do something complicated, tell it "Think step by step".

General Tips

These are more general tips to get the most out of your AI responses.

  • Be specific
  • Give it a role
    • You are an expert in computer science
    • Act as a psychology professor
  • Set the tone or style
    • Funny
    • Academic
  • Give it detailed instructions on output
    • Create a bulleted list
    • Provide two examples
  • Provide context or examples
    • Explain this so an 8 year old would understand
  • Revise, rephrase, and re-prompt
    • The AI is learning from you.  If it's not right, try again.