Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

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AI Prompt Writing

Paige Littlefield, Kelsey Willems | Published: August 29th, 2025 by K20 Center

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AI Prompt Writing

This strategy uses the acronym C.O.N.T.E.X.T to guide students through the process of effective prompt writing for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot.

AI Prompt Writing

Summary

This strategy helps students write effective prompts when using AI. Prompts are instructions that shape a request and guide the AI in providing a response that meets the intended need or question. Students go through the acronym C.O.N.T.E.X.T letter by letter to ensure they are providing enough details to their chosen chatbot. As this strategy suggests, practicing using AI is key. This strategy and the accompanying graphic organizer are meant to be a guide and not the only way to interact with AI effectively.

Procedure

  1. Provide students with a prompt or activity where they will use an AI chatbot. 

    • See our AI Chatbot tech tool for help choosing a resource. 

  2. Write the acronym C.O.N.T.E.X.T on the board or provide students with the attached handout that lists the meaning for each letter. 

  3. Provide time for students to work through each part of C.O.N.T.E.X.T.

    • C is for a clear goal: What do you want the chatbot to do? 

    • O is for objective tone: Should the response be formal, casual, humorous, etc.? 

    • N is for necessary details: What key information should be included? 

    • T is for the target audience: Who is this response meant for? 

    • E is for expected format: How should the response be structured? 

    • X is for examples (optional): Provide a sample if the request is complex. 

    • T is for tweak and test: Refine the prompt, if needed, based on the response. 

  4. Have a whole-class discussion about their experiences and check for student understanding.

Tips and Tricks for Prompt Writing. Teachers College - Columbia University. (n.d.). https://www.tc.columbia.edu/digitalfuturesinstitute/learning--technology/instructional-guides--resources/self-paced-learning-guides/ai-in-education-guides-tips-and-tricks-for-prompt-writing/

Publisher

K20 Center

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Placement In Lesson

  • Explore/Learning Activity
  • Extend/Additional Learning Activity

Intention/Purpose

  • Active Engagement
  • Student Choice

Attachments

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  • C.O.N.T.E.X.T—Template

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