Writing Discussion Prompts
Image prompt: Please create an image of 3 college students participating in a discussion with talk bubbles above their heads
Preparation
This recipe guides you in creating an effective discussion prompt for a college course that encourages critical thinking and aligns with specific student learning objectives. This recipe is ideal for crafting prompts that apply students’ personal experiences and insights within the context of the course material.
Ingredients
Here are some things you might use when using ChatGPT to create discussion prompts:
- Course level (e.g., undergraduate, graduate)
- Module topics
- Specific student learning objective(s)
Optional Ingredients:
- Example responses that demonstrate the type of critical thinking expected
- Contextual background or readings that students should reference in their responses
AI Prompt Recipe
Try this prompt in ChatGPT:
Please create a discussion board prompt for a [insert course level, e.g., undergraduate] course that covers [insert module topics]. The prompt should include open-ended questions that encourage students to apply their personal experiences and use critical thinking skills. Additionally, ensure that the discussion prompt aligns with the following student learning objectives: [insert specific student learning objectives in quotes].
Cleanup
After generating the discussion board prompt, ensure the following:
- The prompt clearly connects to the intended learning objectives.
- The questions are open-ended and encourage thoughtful, reflective responses.
- The prompt aligns with the course level and appropriately challenges students.
- Consider asking ChatGPT to suggest example student responses to validate the clarity and effectiveness of the prompt.
Consider ways you plan to engage with the discussions to create welcoming communities.
Example AI Prompt
Create a discussion board prompt for an undergraduate history course on “The Industrial Revolution.” Ensure that the prompt requires students to reflect on how technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution have parallels in today’s technological landscape. The prompt should align with the following student learning objective: “Analyze historical events to draw connections with modern-day issues.”
