Shifting from Search to Ask: Maximizing AI Syntax with the A.C.E.R Prompting Method

In the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the way we interact with AI tools is evolving. Traditionally, we’ve relied on search methods to find answers. We input keywords into a search engine and sift through the results to find the information we need. But with the advent of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT models, we’re shifting from searching for answers to asking AI tools directly. This shift requires a new approach, one that involves constructing sentences in a way that elicits the best response from an LLM. This approach is known as AI syntax.

In this blog post, we’ll introduce a method that we would like to be remembered as the ACER method! It’s a fun acronym where each letter helps identify key structures that need to be included into your prompt for the best results. The four pillars that make up the name ACER are Actors and Audience, Context, Expand, and Refine. This method provides a structured approach to asking questions that maximize the use of AI syntax.

Actors and Audience

The first step in the ACER method involves identifying the Actors and Audience. As a teacher or a workspace user of GPT tools, you are the actor. The audience could be your students, colleagues, or any other group you’re communicating with. Understanding the audience’s age and level is crucial as it influences the complexity and style of the questions you ask. For example, a question aimed at a fifth-grade student will be different from a question aimed at a college student or a professional colleague.

Context

The second step is to define the Context. This involves identifying the subject or topic you’re interested in and specifying what you want to know. It’s also important to reference any necessary resources and address any exclusions or inclusions. For instance, if you’re teaching a lesson on the Industrial Revolution, you might want to exclude certain developments or focus on specific technologies.

Expand

The third step is to Expand on the information you already have. This involves providing background information and defining the purpose of your request. You also need to specify how you want the question presented or laid out. For example, you might want a detailed explanation, a summary, or a list of bullet points. You should also identify any additional resources or support you need. This could include visual aids, links to further reading, or examples.

Refine and Iterate

The final step in the ACER method is to Refine and Iterate. Once you receive a response from the AI tool, assess its usefulness and accuracy. If it doesn’t meet your needs, refine your question and ask again. This process of refinement and iteration is key to getting the most out of AI tools. It’s also a shift away from traditional search methods, where you might accept the first page of search results as the best answer.

Let’s have a look at the difference in using your LLM tool to search for answers, and how the prompt will look like if we use the ACER method to structure the question we want to ask more constructively.

A typical search question would look something like “Information for Grade 5 learners on the Industrial Revolution.” Simple and to the point, however the search request will render 2,5million results and it will require further research and building of your content. Try it! Copy the search into your Google or Edge browser and take not of the result.

Now try using the same search request in ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini. It’s more concise, easier to follow then the 2 million search results, but not enough to build a proper lesson on.

Using the ACER method, we are going to change it up a bit, we will identify the Actors and Audience, provide some Context, Expand on how we want the lesson laid out, and the Refine the request as the information loads.

“I am a Grade 5 teacher, and I am preparing 4 lessons for my history class on the topic of the industrial revolution. I need to breakdown the lessons into various sections that cover all four topics. I am going to need to build a PowerPoint presentation for the lessons. I need the sections to cover dates and important developments and technologies. I will also need links to videos that will help the learners understand the topics better. Please include the details that are relevant. There is no limit on what information you provide. I will summarize as I progress with my research.”

Actors and Audience: I am a Grade 5 teacher, and I am preparing 4 lessons for my history class?

Context: the topic of the industrial revolution. I need to breakdown the lessons into various sections that cover all four topics

Expand: I am going to need to build a PowerPoint presentation for the lessons. I need the sections to cover dates and important developments and technologies. I will also need links to videos that will help the learners understand the topics better.

Refine: Please include the details that are relevant. There is no limit on what information you provide. I will summarize as I progress with my research.”

Go on! Give it a go and see what a difference it makes.

Once you have your result, you will need to continue to Refine and Iterate, ask the tool to expand on each lesson separately. Ask it to provide more information on a specific section or an item that stood out for you. Ask it to build a 20 question, multiple choice assessment and don’t forget to ask for the answers too! The key is to ASK and ask the right question!

The ACER method may be a bit of pirate marketing, but its’ easy to remember and more importantly it works!

The Acer method provides a structured approach to asking questions that maximize the use of AI syntax. By identifying the actors and audience, defining the context, expanding on the information, and refining the question, you can interact more effectively with AI tools and get more accurate and helpful responses. So, the next time you’re using a GPT tool, remember to shift from search to ask. Happy Asking!

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