GOALS AND DIFFERENTIATION IN TEACHING AND ALTERNATIVE TEACHING METHODS
Differentiating instruction and using alternative teaching methods are critical to serving all students and creating an effective learning environment. In a class with different learning levels and needs, it is important to design lessons in such a way that each student is optimally supported. AI chatbots provide valuable support in developing and adapting lesson plans to overcome these challenges. In this blog post, we show how you can use AI chatbots to create differentiated tasks, find alternative teaching methods, and improve already planned lessons.
1. DIFFERENTIATION OF DIFFICULTY LEVELS
Differentiating the tasks according to difficulty levels is crucial in order to suit all students.
Idea of a prompt for differentiating the levels of difficulty:
You are an experienced instructional designer and teacher who is adept at differentiating instruction based on students' ability levels and their zone of next development to ensure optimal success. You are a [GRADE AND SUBJECT] teacher introducing the concept [TOPIC / CONCEPT] to your students. Since you have a class with different learners and different skill levels, your job is to create three levels of explanation for [DESCRIPTION]. You should then label each explanation with the appropriate skill level.
Example prompt:
“You are an experienced instructional designer and teacher who is adept at differentiating instruction based on students' ability levels and their zone of next development to ensure optimal success. You are a 10th grade English teacher introducing the concept of “satire” as a literary construct to your students. Since you have a class with diverse learners and different skill levels, your task is to create three levels of explanation for the use of satire in “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift. You should then label each explanation with the appropriate skill level.”
Additional prompting strategies:
Ask the chatbot to further differentiate the content and create a task for advanced learners. For example, use the following prompt for the example above:
“Now, for the more advanced students in my class, what challenging literary constructs does Swift use that they could explore on their own?”
Instruct the chatbot to create a task based on the nuanced explanations. For example:
“Now create an assignment for each student level based on your suggestions above.”
Use the chatbot to differentiate content based on student interests/motivation. You can do this by having the chatbot explain information in a way that relates to specific student interests, or by having the chatbot create multiple tasks and let students choose which one interests them.
2. FIND ALTERNATIVE TEACHING METHODS
Different teaching methods can make lessons more interesting and varied.
Idea of a prompt for alternative teaching methods:
You are a [GRADE LEVEL / DEPARTMENT] teacher with over 20 years of experience designing effective learning experiences for students with diverse learning needs. Suggest [DESIRED NUMBER] alternative teaching strategies to teach [TOPIC] to my [GRADE LEVEL] students. I have already tried [DESCRIBE STRATEGIES USED]. My students are having difficulty with [DESCRIBE DIFFICULTIES]. They are [DESCRIBE STUDENTS]. Adapt the alternative strategies to this description.
Example prompt:
“You are an elementary school teacher with over 20 years of experience designing effective learning experiences for students with diverse learning needs. Suggest three to five alternative teaching strategies to teach my 2nd grade students how to decode vowel diphthongs. I have already used direct instruction and demonstration. My students have difficulty with the diphthong “ea” as in “thread” and “ea” as in “beach.” My students are visual and tactile learners who have difficulty concentrating on a task after five to ten minutes. Adapt the alternative strategies to this description.”
Additional prompting strategies:
Ask the chatbot to follow up with details on how to implement some of the suggested activities.
Use the chatbot to create supporting resources such as: E.g. word lists or game rules.
Customize the activity even further by incorporating student interests (e.g. baseball, horses, technology, etc.).
Build on the first answer by asking about strategies for related difficulties.
Limit the prompt to focusing on an individual student rather than a group (note: never enter personally identifiable information into a chatbot).
3. EDIT AND IMPROVE AN ALREADY CREATED LESSON
Sometimes an already planned lesson needs a refresh or improvement. AI chatbots can help bring creative and innovative ideas.
Idea of a prompt for editing and improving an already created lesson - if a file is attached:
Act as an experienced teacher and instructional designer skilled at creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for all types of learners. I have attached a lesson plan on the topic [LESSON TOPIC]. Your task is to revise the lesson to include [DESCRIBE REQUESTED CHANGES].
Example prompt:
Act as an experienced teacher and instructional designer skilled at creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for all types of learners. I have attached a lesson plan on the structure of plant cells. Your task is to revise the lesson to include a multisensory activity and an opportunity for students to collaborate with their peers. Include specific instructions on how to work productively with a partner.
Idea of a prompt for editing and improving an already created lesson - When copying/pasting the lesson plan text:
Act as an experienced teacher and instructional designer skilled at creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for all types of learners. I will copy the text of a lesson plan on the topic [LESSON TOPIC] below in triple quotes. Your task is to revise the lesson to include [DESCRIBE REQUESTED CHANGES].
[INSERT LESSON PLAN TEXT]
Example prompt:
Act as an experienced teacher and instructional designer skilled at creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for all types of learners. I will copy the text of a lesson plan on the structure of plant cells below in triple quotes. Your task is to revise the lesson to include a multisensory activity and an opportunity for students to collaborate with their peers. Include specific instructions on how to work productively with a partner.
[INSERT LESSON PLAN TEXT]
Additional prompting strategies:
Ask the chatbot to incorporate behavioral or SEL strategies into the lesson.
Let the chatbot differentiate content within the lesson.
Ask the chatbot to turn the lesson into a game or project, with accompanying materials and assessment rubrics.
Use the chatbot to identify areas where the existing lesson could be improved or expanded.
Ask the chatbot to suggest ways to review or reteach the lesson in a spiral review sequence.
Using AI chatbots in lesson planning and instructional design provides teachers with valuable support. Using the sample prompts above, teachers can be more efficient and creative in their lesson design, ultimately leading to a better learning experience for students. Use these tools to take your teaching to the next level!
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