The Art of Prompt Engineering: Crafting Customisable Learning Accelerators

10 generic educational prompt templates designed to facilitate quick learning on any subject. These prompts are structured to be adaptable, allowing you to insert specific variables such as the topic, audience, and time available. Each prompt also suggests different methods or approaches to engage with the material, making the learning process more efficient and tailored to diverse needs.

1. Concept Breakdown and Application Prompt

• Topic/Subject: [Insert Topic]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level - Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration]
• Methods: [e.g., Diagrams, Examples, Practice Problems]

Prompt: "Divide the topic of [Insert Topic] into [3-5] key concepts or sections. For each section, briefly explain its core principle and provide one real-world application or example that illustrates its relevance or impact. Utilize [Choose from Methods] to enhance comprehension. Aim to cover each section within [Divide Time Duration by Number of Sections] minutes, allowing time for a brief review at the end."

2. Comparative Analysis Prompt

• Topics/Subjects: [Insert Two or More Topics for Comparison]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration]
• Methods: [e.g., Venn Diagram, Table, Discussion]

Prompt: "Compare and contrast the topics of [Insert Topics] by identifying their key similarities and differences. Focus on areas such as underlying principles, methodologies, applications, and implications. Employ a [Choose from Methods] to organize your analysis. Allocate [Insert Time Duration], dedicating equal time to each topic and the comparative analysis. Conclude with a brief summary highlighting the most insightful findings."

3. Case Study Exploration Prompt

• Topic/Subject: [Insert Topic]
• Case Study: [Insert Specific Case Study]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration]
• Methods: [e.g., Guided Questions, Role-Play, Discussion]

Prompt: "Examine the [Insert Topic] through the lens of the [Insert Specific Case Study]. Begin by outlining the background and context of the case. Then, dissect the case by addressing a set of guided questions that explore its key components, challenges, and outcomes. Utilize [Choose from Methods] to facilitate a deeper understanding. Allocate [Insert Time Duration], ensuring time is divided between introduction, analysis, and reflection/discussion."

4. Skill Development Workshop Prompt

• Skill/Topic: [Insert Skill/Topic]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration]
• Methods: [e.g., Interactive Activities, Simulations, Peer Feedback]

Prompt: "Design a workshop focused on developing the skill of [Insert Skill/Topic], tailored for [Insert Audience Level]. Start with a brief overview of why the skill is important and its foundational concepts. Introduce [2-3] interactive activities or simulations that allow participants to practice in a controlled environment. Incorporate [Choose from Methods] to encourage engagement and provide real-time feedback. Structure the workshop to gradually increase in complexity, allocating [Insert Time Duration] effectively across activities."

5. Flash Learning Session Prompt

• Topic/Subject: [Insert Topic]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Short Time Duration, e.g., 15-30 Minutes]
• Methods: [e.g., Flashcards, Quick Quizzes, Short Videos]

Prompt: "Organize a flash learning session on [Insert Topic] for an audience of [Insert Audience Level], designed to fit within a [Insert Short Time Duration] window. Select or create materials such as flashcards, quick quizzes, or short videos that cover the essential facts or principles of the topic. Structure the session to alternate between presentation and active recall exercises, using [Choose from Methods] to maximize engagement and memory retention. Aim for a dynamic pace to maintain interest and effectiveness within the limited time."

These prompts can be customized further based on specific learning goals, resources available, and the preferred learning style of the audience.

6. Debate and Discussion Prompt

• Topic/Subject: [Insert Topic]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration]
• Methods: [e.g., Pro/Con Lists, Group Discussion, Formal Debate]

Prompt: "Facilitate a debate or discussion on [Insert Topic], encouraging critical thinking and engagement. Begin by dividing participants into groups or pairs, assigning them opposing viewpoints or aspects of the topic to defend or critique. Provide a brief overview of the topic and outline key points each side should consider. Use [Choose from Methods] to structure the activity, ensuring each side has equal time to present their arguments and rebuttals. Conclude with a plenary session where each group summarizes their stance and key learnings."

7. Problem-Solving Workshop Prompt

• Problem/Challenge: [Insert Specific Problem or Challenge Related to Topic]
• Topic/Subject: [Insert Topic]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration]
• Methods: [e.g., Brainstorming Sessions, Design Thinking, Solution Presentations]

Prompt: "Organize a problem-solving workshop addressing the challenge of [Insert Specific Problem or Challenge] within the context of [Insert Topic]. Kick off with a detailed description of the problem, emphasizing its significance and impact. Break participants into small teams, guiding them through a brainstorming and solution-development process using [Choose from Methods]. Allocate [Insert Time Duration], dividing it between ideation, solution development, and presentation stages. Each team will present their proposed solution, followed by a constructive feedback session."

8. Interactive Lecture Prompt

• Topic/Subject: [Insert Topic]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration]
• Methods: [e.g., Live Polls, Q&A Sessions, Breakout Discussions]

Prompt: "Design an interactive lecture on [Insert Topic] tailored to an audience of [Insert Audience Level]. Start with a brief introduction to the topic, highlighting its relevance and objectives. Integrate [Choose from Methods] throughout the lecture to maintain engagement and facilitate understanding. For instance, incorporate live polls to gauge opinions or understanding, pause for Q&A sessions to clarify doubts, and use breakout discussions for deeper exploration of subtopics. Plan the lecture to smoothly transition between instruction and interaction within the allocated [Insert Time Duration]."

9. Self-Directed Learning Challenge Prompt

• Topic/Subject: [Insert Topic]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration for Completion]
• Methods: [e.g., Research Assignments, Online Courses, Interactive Quizzes]

Prompt: "Initiate a self-directed learning challenge on [Insert Topic], providing participants with a clear goal and a list of recommended resources (e.g., articles, online courses, videos). Outline a series of milestones or tasks they should aim to complete within [Insert Time Duration], such as completing specific modules, submitting a short research assignment, or passing interactive quizzes. Encourage the use of diverse methods like [Choose from Methods] to suit different learning styles. Offer a platform or forum for participants to share insights, ask questions, and discuss their progress."

10. Storytelling and Narrative Learning Prompt

• Story/Narrative Theme: [Insert Story Theme Related to Topic]
• Topic/Subject: [Insert Topic]
• Audience: [Insert Audience Level]
• Time Available: [Insert Time Duration]
• Methods: [e.g., Digital Storytelling, Role-playing, Interactive Storybooks]

Prompt: "Create a learning experience based on storytelling or narrative related to [Insert Topic]. Develop or select a story that illustrates key concepts or lessons within the topic, ensuring it resonates with the audience level of [Insert Audience Level]. Use [Choose from Methods] to bring the story to life, making it interactive and immersive. For example, digital storytelling tools can add visual and auditory elements, while role-playing can help participants embody and understand different perspectives. Allocate [Insert Time Duration] to cover the story, followed by a discussion or reflection session on the lessons learned."