Teaching with Technology

Prompting 101

AI Prompt Guide for Faculty

Prompts are how we “talk” to AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot. The better your prompt, the better the results. This guide offers tips, examples, and templates to help you use AI more effectively in your teaching and course design. Whether you're creating assignments, rubrics, or course content, a well-crafted prompt can save time and spark creativity.

What Is Prompting?

A prompt is the set of instructions or questions you give to an AI tool. Think of it like programming in plain English - what you say shapes what the AI does. Prompting is a skill that improves with practice, and it's useful for brainstorming, drafting, and even editing.

Prompt Formula: A Simple Framework

Use this formula to build stronger prompts:

[Role] + [Task] + [Context] + [Format/Constraints]

Example:

You are an instructional designer. Create a course outline for a fully online psychology course, including weekly topics and major assessments. Present it as a bulleted list.

This helps the AI understand how to “think,” what to do, and how to deliver it.

Prompt Templates for Faculty Use

Here are ready-made prompts you can copy, paste, and customize:

Course Planning

You are a course designer. Create a 15-week course outline for [Insert Course Title] including weekly objectives and assessments.

Assessment Design

Generate three multiple-choice questions on [Insert Topic], each with one correct answer and three distractors. Include an answer key.

Rubric Creation

Create a grading rubric for a group presentation assignment in a 300-level communication course. Include 4 criteria, each with three performance levels.

Syllabus Statement

Write a syllabus statement on appropriate use of generative AI for a first-year writing course. Keep the tone supportive and aligned with academic integrity.

Assignment Design

Design an engaging discussion prompt for a hybrid sociology class on the topic of digital identity. Include guidance for initial posts and replies.

Accessibility Review

Review the following assignment instructions for accessibility and clarity. Suggest improvements for students with ADHD or dyslexia. [Paste text here]

Student Communication

Draft a warm, professional email to a student who missed an exam due to a personal emergency and asked for a makeup opportunity.

Tips for Better Prompting

  • Be specific – Vague prompts = vague results.

  • Set the tone – Formal, friendly, student-facing, etc.

  • Use roles – "Act as a faculty developer..." helps guide the AI’s voice.

  • Ask for format – Tables, bullet points, outlines—whatever works best.

  • Think in steps – Break tasks into smaller prompts when needed.

  • Refine as you go – Tweak prompts and rerun to improve results.

Practice Prompt (Try It!)

Try this in your favorite AI tool:

Act as a higher ed faculty member. Create a class activity that promotes critical thinking using Bloom’s Taxonomy for a course on environmental ethics. Make it student-centered and online-friendly.

Explore Prompt Libraries

Want more ideas? These curated prompt libraries are great starting points:

Final Thought

You’re still the expert - AI is just a helpful assistant. Prompting helps you work faster, not lower your standards. Use it to support your creativity, not replace it.

If you have questions or want to explore prompts in your discipline, reach out to the Instructional Design & Technology team or browse our Teaching with Technology Generative AI Hub.

Daniel Wooddell
Sr. Instructional Technologist
Teaching with Technology Site Designer