Best practices for prompting

Best practices for prompting

When using Padlet TA's AI-powered tools, the quality of your prompts directly affects the quality of the results. Here are some tips to help you craft effective prompts and get the most out of Padlet TA.

Be specific about grade level and standards

• Always specify the exact grade level (e.g., "3rd grade" rather than just "elementary")
• Include specific learning standards when possible (e.g., "CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.2" for 4th grade reading literature)
• Reference curriculum frameworks relevant to your region or educational system

Provide clear context

• Describe the specific learning objective you're targeting
• Mention any themes, topics, or content areas you want to focus on
• Include details about your classroom context, if relevant (e.g., "ESL students," "mixed ability group")

Be explicit about format preferences

• Specify length requirements (e.g., "5-paragraph essay," "10-question quiz")
• Indicate any specific components you need (e.g., "include vocabulary section")
• Mention if you want particular question types (e.g., "include at least 2 word problems")

Use the additional context field effectively

• Add special instructions that might not fit in other fields
• Specify themes or topics (e.g., "use ocean animals as examples")
• Mention any content to avoid or include
• Request specific difficulty levels or differentiation needs

Refine through iteration

• If the first result isn't quite what you need, try regenerating
• Adjust your prompt to be more specific based on initial results
• Use the feedback from each generation to improve your next prompt

Examples of effective prompts

Basic prompt: 2nd grade, addition

Improved prompt: 2nd grade, two-digit addition with regrouping, word problems based on grocery shopping scenarios

Basic prompt: High school essay

Improved prompt: 11th grade persuasive essay rubric with emphasis on evidence use, logical reasoning, and counter-argument analysis