AI @ SHSU - Prompting 101

Prompting 101: Getting the Most Out of AI Tools

What is prompting?

Prompting is the way you “talk” to AI tools like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT. A prompt is simply a question or instruction you give the AI. The better your prompt, the better the response.

Think of prompting like giving directions: the more specific and clear you are, the more helpful the AI can be.

Why does prompting matter?

AI tools don’t “read your mind.” They respond to the information you provide. A vague prompt results in a vague answer. A detailed prompt gives a focused, useful response. Good prompting saves time, improves accuracy, and helps you get results faster.

Examples

Here’s how a small change can make a big difference:

❌ Basic Prompt ✅ Improved Prompt
“Write a syllabus.” “Write a syllabus for an Intro to Psychology course, including weekly topics and grading breakdown.”
“Summarize this.” “Summarize this 3-page article on student engagement in online learning.”
“Fix this.” “Make this paragraph more concise and professional for a grant proposal.”

Prompting Tips

Follow these tips for better results:

  • Be specific: Include context like topic, audience, or format.
    Example: “Write a 200-word summary of this article for a student newsletter.”
  • Ask for structure: Request bullet points, tables, step-by-step instructions, or outlines.
    Example: “Create a bulleted list of key takeaways from this report.”
  • Give context: Provide the AI with background information including what perspective you want the AI to take.
    Example: “As a senior instructional designer, provide step-by-step instructions for configuring the Blackboard Ultra gradebook for an Introduction to Organic Chemistry class.”
  • Give examples: If you want a certain style, show a sample.
    Example: “Write in a friendly, conversational tone like this blog post.”
  • Iterate: If the first response isn’t perfect, refine your prompt and try again.
    Example: “Make it shorter and add a call to action.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too vague: “Write something about AI.”
  • Forgetting the audience: A student guide should sound different from a faculty memo.
  • Asking for too much at once: Break big tasks into smaller steps.

Learn More

Here are some relevant and free resources to build your prompting skills: