How to CRAFT the Best Prompt for AI

How to Write Better AI Prompts: A Simple Guide for Educators

As teachers, we’re always looking for ways to make lesson planning and classroom activities easier, more engaging, and creative. AI tools like ChatGPT can be a huge help, but getting the right response depends on how you ask your questions. The good news? Writing better prompts is easier than you think!

In the video above, I walk through a simple strategy using the acronym C.R.A.F.T. to help you write prompts that get the best responses from AI. Let’s dive into how you can use this method in your classroom!

The CRAFT Method: How to Write AI Prompts

Think of AI as a super assistant that does exactly what you ask—but only if you're clear and specific. That’s where the C.R.A.F.T. method comes in:

• C = Context

• R = Revise

• A = Ask for Specifics

• F = Format

• T = Tell AI

Here’s how each step works and how you can use it to get the most out of AI tools like ChatGPT.

Step 1: Provide Context

AI works better when it has a clear understanding of what you’re asking. Always provide some context—like the subject you’re teaching, the grade level, or any special needs of your students. The more background you give, the more tailored the response will be.

For example, instead of just saying, "How do I teach fractions?" try this:

• “I’m teaching a unit on renewable energy to my middle school science class. What activities could I use to introduce solar power?”

You can also ask AI to respond in different ways, such as:

• “Respond like a teacher.”

• “Explain this as if you’re talking to a 6th grader.”

This helps AI give more useful answers that match what you need in the classroom.

Step 2: Revise Your Prompts

Sometimes AI doesn’t get it right on the first try—and that’s okay! It might give you an answer that’s too vague, too detailed, or not quite what you’re looking for. When that happens, don’t be afraid to revise your prompt and ask the question a different way.

For example, if you asked, “How do I teach fractions?” and the response wasn’t what you wanted, try rephrasing it: “What’s a hands-on way to teach 5th graders how to add and subtract fractions?”

Keep tweaking your prompt until you get an answer that works!

Step 3: Ask for Specifics

The more specific you are in your prompt, the better the answer will be. Instead of asking broad questions, give details that will help AI zero in on what you need.

For instance, instead of saying “How do I teach fractions?” try this:

• “What are engaging strategies to teach 5th graders about adding and subtracting fractions using visual aids?”

Some details you might want to include are:

• Grade level

• Type of student (e.g., struggling learners, gifted learners)

• Learning level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

• Curriculum standards

• Time you have for the activity (e.g., 20-minute lesson)

The more you include, the better the AI will understand your needs and give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Step 4: Specify the Format

Be clear about what type of response you’re looking for. Do you need a full lesson plan, a list of activities, or maybe just some ideas? AI can give you different kinds of outputs, but you need to let it know what format works best for you.

For example, instead of just asking for ideas, you can say:

• “Can you create a 30-minute lesson plan for 7th-grade English that focuses on character development in short stories?”

You can also ask for specific formats like:

• A bulleted list

• A checklist

• A paragraph

• A table or chart

• A passage or template

By specifying the format, AI can give you exactly what you need, saving you time and effort!

Step 5: Tell AI

When you’re writing your prompt, don’t forget to give AI some boundaries or guidelines. This could be time limits, resource constraints, or specific challenges you’re facing in the classroom.

For example:

• “I only have 20 minutes and no internet access for my lesson. What quick, hands-on activities can I do to introduce basic geometry concepts?”

But also let AI be creative when you need it to think outside the box. Use prompts like:

• “Give me creative ideas for…”

• “What are other ways to explain…”

By setting boundaries and allowing creativity when needed, you’ll get solutions that fit your classroom perfectly!

Extra Tips for Writing Better Prompts

Here are a couple of bonus tips to help you get even better results from AI:

Use Step-by-Step Prompts

If you’re working on something more complex, break it down into smaller parts. For example:

• “I’m creating an AI unit for my high school students. Can you suggest a five-step project plan that helps them understand ethical issues in AI?”

This way, AI will give you a structured response that’s easy to follow and implement.

Ask for Multiple Examples

If you want different ideas or approaches, don’t hesitate to ask for them! For example:

• “Can you give me three different ways to introduce photosynthesis to 6th graders?”

This gives you options, and you can choose what works best for your class.

Follow Up for Clarification

If AI’s response isn’t quite what you need, ask for more clarification or details. For example:

• “Can you expand on the interactive activity idea for introducing renewable energy?”

AI will refine its answer and give you something more specific.

Key Takeaway: CRAFT Better Prompts, Get Better Results

The secret to getting helpful, accurate answers from AI is all about how you ask your question. By using the CRAFT method—giving context, revising your prompt, asking for specifics, specifying the format, and setting boundaries—you’ll be able to get exactly what you need for your classroom.

Ready to give it a try? Watch the video above for more tips, and start crafting AI prompts that save you time and inspire new ideas!

If this was helpful, share it with other teachers, and let’s keep innovating in our classrooms together!