AI Prompt Engineering: PROMPT

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it’s only as effective as the way we use it. One of the biggest challenges in leveraging AI, whether for lesson planning, content creation, or brainstorming, is knowing how to craft the right prompt. Enter the “PROMPT” framework—a simple yet effective mnemonic created by Holly Clark at Infused Learning and Alex McMillan to help you get the best results from AI.

Breaking Down the PROMPT Framework

The beauty of this method is in its flexibility. You can use all or some of these elements in any order, depending on your needs. AI continues to improve which allows us to refine and receive even better results. Let’s explore what each letter stands for and how it can refine your AI interactions:

P – Purpose

Before you even start typing, ask yourself: What do I want the AI to do? Clearly defining your purpose sets the stage for a useful response. Whether you need a summary, a poem, a lesson plan, or a persuasive argument, specifying the task upfront ensures AI aligns with your goal.

Example:

• Summarize the key points of an article on media literacy.
• Create a lesson plan on digital citizenship for middle schoolers.

R – Role

AI can take on different roles based on how you frame your prompt. Do you need it to act as a helpful assistant, a subject-matter expert, or a creative storyteller? Defining the AI’s role shapes the style and depth of the response.

Example:

• Act as a history professor explaining the impact of the printing press.
• Be a children’s book author crafting a bedtime story about teamwork.

O – Output

How do you want the response to be formatted? A bulleted list? A well-structured paragraph? A piece of code? Specifying the output format helps AI tailor its response to your needs.

Example:

• Provide a bulleted list of best practices for online research.
• Write a concise paragraph summarizing the benefits of project-based learning.

M – Main Points

AI works best when it has clear parameters. Highlight the core ideas or specific details you want to be included. This could be learning standards, historical context, cultural considerations, or key themes.

Example:

• Focus on the role of school libraries in fostering media literacy.
• Include examples of how AI can be integrated into classroom discussions.

P – People

Who is your audience? AI responses can shift significantly depending on whether they are intended for students, educators, administrators, or parents. Defining your audience ensures the tone and complexity are appropriate.

Example:

• Explain data privacy in a way that 5th graders can understand.
• Write a memo to school leaders on the benefits of AI-powered learning tools.

T – Test & Refine

Even the best prompts may need some tweaking. Experiment with different phrasings, adjust based on AI’s output, and refine until you get the desired results. Think of it as a conversation—AI improves with better instructions. This step is why I find this process better then some of the others. The refine step is pivitol if you want to get the most out of a prompt to a chatbot.

Example:

• If the response is too vague, add more details to your prompt.
• If it’s too complex, simplify the request or clarify your audience.

Why This Matters in Education

As AI becomes more integrated into classrooms and professional spaces, knowing how to interact with it effectively is a crucial skill. The PROMPT framework not only improves AI-generated responses but also enhances critical thinking and communication skills—key components of digital literacy. As students are prompting the letters are easy to remember in relation to the process.

So next time you’re using AI, remember to “PROMPT” it the right way. A little structure goes a long way in getting the best results!