Prompt Engineering (novice)
Prompt Engineering is a crucial field in artificial intelligence where the focus is on designing effective inputs (prompts) that guide AI models to produce desired outcomes. It plays a vital role in enhancing the performance of language models and generative AI systems across various applications, from chatbots to content creation. By carefully crafting prompts, developers can improve the accuracy, relevance, and efficiency of AI responses. This practice not only optimises interactions with AI but also addresses challenges related to ambiguity, bias, and system limitations, ensuring that AI systems respond in a contextually appropriate and resource-efficient manner.
Basic prompt engineering involves straightforward methods to interact with AI models, aiming for clear and direct responses. Key features include:
- Direct Queries: Simple and clear prompts that directly ask for the information or task needed.
- Single-step Instructions: Instructions that require the AI to perform one straightforward action or answer.
- Keyword Emphasis: Using specific keywords that the AI recognizes as central to generating the correct response.
- Closed Questions: Formulating prompts that lead to limited or yes/no type answers, reducing the scope of possible responses.
The Anatomy of a Prompt
INSTRUCTION
For example, in higher education, instructing an AI to summarise a research article sets a clear task for it to execute.
Prompt: Explain the concept of Constructivism in Education.
CONTEXT
For instance, specifying the topic and time frame in a request for summarising a research article helps the AI to focus its response accordingly.
Prompt: Explain the concept of Constructivism in Education, focusing on its impact and implications for online learning.
ROLE
For example, instructing the AI to assume the role of an academic advisor could generate a response that is professional and supportive, whereas asking it to assume the role of a student mentor may generate one that is more friendly and casual.
Prompt: Please take on the role of a university professor and explain the concept of Constructivism in Education, focusing on its impact and implications for online learning.
SUCCINCTNESS
Prompt: As a university professor, explain Constructivism in Education and its impact and implications for online learning, focusing only on how it influences course design.
EXAMPLE
Prompt: As a university professor, explain Constructivism in Education and its impact and implications for online learning, focusing on how it might influence course design. For example, discuss how a constructivist approach would encourage students to interact and build knowledge through discussions in online forums.
FORMAT
Prompt: As a university professor, provide a bullet-point summary of Constructivism in Education and its impact and implications for online learning, particularly for course design. Categorise the bullet points into subthemes.
ADJUSTMENT
Prompt: As a university professor, provide a detailed explanation of Constructivism in Education, its historical evolution in Asia, and its implications for online course design, in a bullet-point format.