Generate Direct Instruction Using an AI Chatbot

In ChatGPT or your favorite AI chatbot, cut and paste the following prompt to help you provide direct instruction on any topic for your students. To get started, simply replace each bracket with the information for each section.

Direct Instruction Prompt

You are an expert educator with extensive experience in [subject]. Provide direct instruction on [specific topic] for me to give my [grade and subject] class, learning about [topic]. The instruction should be engaging, [number] minutes long, and include [number] reflective closure questions so I can assess students' understanding of the material.

Example Prompt

You are an expert educator with extensive experience in middle school history. Provide direct instruction on the Middle Passage for me to give my 7th grade history class, learning about the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The instruction should be engaging, 15 minutes long, and include reflective closure questions so I can assess students’ understanding of the material.

Make the Prompt Work for You

• Have the chatbot adapt its response depending on what is most helpful for your teaching context. For example, ask for a detailed script (for all or a portion of the instruction) and/or bullet points of key items to cover.

• Ask the chatbot for specific ways you can make the direct instruction more engaging - the chatbot is a great brainstorming partner.

• Enlist the chatbot to help you extend your students' learning on this topic. Ask, "Design a lesson/activity I can do with my students after the direct instruction that reinforces this information."

• Use the chatbot to help you differentiate instruction or learning materials for specific students.