Prompts are the inputs you enter into genAI systems. They can include text, images, links, code snippets, and files for genAI tools to generate a result/output. They provide the topic, question, instruction, and guardrails/guidance from users for the AI model to respond to.
Prompts are an important consideration when using genAI tools, as the better your prompt is, the more likely you'll get a suitable result. GenAI tools need effective guidance to provide quality outputs, and a good prompt is key to achieving this.
Creating effective prompts can be challenging task, so considering how you need the genAI tool to answer your question is necessary:
This page has some useful advice on creating prompts below.
![Generative AI Prompt Chreat Sheet. Role + Task + Format + Restrict. Example: “You are a researcher in education [Role]. Create a summary of key points from the Closing The Gap strategy for research ideas relating to education in Australia [Task]. Show as bullet points [Format], and use short sentences [Restrict].”](https://d329ms1y997xa5.cloudfront.net/accounts/30671/images/genAI_Prompt_Cheat_Sheet.png)
You'll find specific information for prompting using the Universities approved genAI platform, Copilot, below. These should also be applicable to other platforms.
Informed and ethical use and understanding of genAI is integral to lifelong learning and crucial in developing the ability to navigate a technologically driven society (Policy on the Use of Generative AI in Teaching, Learning and Assessment).
However, you need to be conscious of a range of issues and considerations when using genAI. As with any source of information, you need critically review the outputs of genAI to ensure accuracy.
Below are some example prompts to tailor and use to help experiment with how genAI can assist your learning. Always keep the 'human in the loop' and remember that you are ultimately responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any genAI output you use.
Example:
Act as a Socratic tutor. Help me explore the topic of [insert concept/topic] by asking me a series of open-ended questions. Avoid providing direct answers; guide me with thought-provoking questions. Ask one question at a time and wait for me to respond before asking the next. Start with very simple questions, and increase the complexity based your perception of the quality of my response.
How this may help:
By engaging with a Socratic tutor, you will be encouraged to reflect critically on your own thinking, identify gaps in your understanding, and develop more nuanced arguments—all essential academic skills.
Bonus tip:
At the end of your “discussion” with the genAI, ask it to provide feedback on the questions you asked to identify any strengths or weaknesses in your understanding.
Example:
Act as a storytelling mentor. Help me create a short narrative that covers key points of [insert concept/topic]. Focus on making the details memorable and easy to recall later. Include relatable characters or settings that naturally weave in the concept’s main ideas. At the end of the story. include a short paragraph on how the story covers the key points.
How this may help:
Narratives and stories provide context and emotional resonance, making it easier for you to remember details and connect abstract ideas to real or imagined scenarios.
Bonus tip:
After creating the story, ask the genAI to quiz you on the key points covered in the narrative — but without referring back to the text.
Example:
Act as a research advisor. Propose several potential research project ideas related to [insert field or theme]. Ensure the ideas are novel, feasible for a student, and grounded in relevant literature. Provide brief rationales explaining why each project could be valuable.
How this may help:
Considering multiple project suggestions may help you find topics that spark your interest, align with academic goals, and are methodologically sound. This can also help you “Think” outside the box” and consider options that may not be immediately obvious.
Bonus tip:
Ask the genAI to highlight the main challenges of each proposal.
Example:
Act as a study assistant. Generate concise flashcards for key terms and definitions on [insert concept/topic]. Each flashcard should contain a question on one side and a clear, concise answer on the other. Number the flashcards and keep explanations straightforward.
How this may help:
Flashcards distil complex information into bite-sized pieces, helping you review essential facts quickly and efficiently, and reinforcing memory recall.
Bonus tip:
Ask the genAI to create one or more flashcards that contain incorrect information, and quiz you to identify which are incorrect.
Example:
Act as a study coach. Create a weekly study schedule for [insert concept/topic] using spaced repetition principles. Provide the best intervals (e.g., Day 1, Day 3, Day 6) and what to review each time. Detail how to gradually increase the gaps between reviews for optimal retention.
How this may help:
Spaced repetition helps you revisit material at strategic intervals. This may strengthen long-term retention and reducing the cognitive load during study.
Bonus tip:
Ask the genAI to create specific study activities (practice questions, case studies, etc) for you to work on at each stage of the plan.
Example:
Act as an exam coach. Using these notes [paste own summary of the topic], draft practice [insert type of question, e.g., multiple choice, short answer, etc.] questions. Include multiple difficulty levels. Use a variety of phrasing for each question. After listing each question, suggest hints or insights to guide correct answers, but do not provide the answers.
How this may help:
Practice questions can challenge you to recall information and apply concepts, simulating test environments and revealing areas where additional revision may be beneficial.
Bonus tip:
Ask the genAI to ask you each question one by one and give you feedback on each answer.
'Bonus' bonus tip:
Ask the genAI to evaluate questions you have written by modelling questions from your courses, as in the example below.
Review this question [insert question written by you] and identify any missing content or unclear phrasing that could make it harder for another student to answer. Suggest an alternative or better way to write the question using the same format.
Example:
Act as a concept explainer. Clarify [insert concept/topic] using real-life or relatable examples. Limit each example to a few sentences and focus on illustrating key points. Provide at least three distinct examples that gradually increase in complexity.
How this may help:
Concrete examples can help anchor abstract ideas in familiar contexts, helping you develop a stronger conceptual understanding and improving recall.
Bonus tip:
Ask the genAI to prompt you to explain the concept in terms of an example it provides.
Example:
Act as my study planner. Develop a weekly study schedule for [insert concepts/topics], considering I have [insert available hours]. Balance time among the subjects according to difficulty and urgency. Outline a clear timeline, including breaks and deadlines.
How this may help:
A structured study plan can help you manage time effectively and prioritise tasks, reducing stress and ensuring consistent progress toward academic goals.
Bonus tip:
Ask the genAI to identify resources (YouTube videos, podcasts, readings, articles) that you could use in the study plan.
Example:
Act as a scenario facilitator. Present me with a realistic situation to practice [insert skill, e.g., critical thinking or problem-solving]. Provide context, characters, and a challenge that requires using the skill. Prompt me to propose a solution, then offer feedback or follow-up dilemmas.
How this may help:
Scenario-based learning places you in practical situations, developing your ability to apply theoretical knowledge, solve problems, and build confidence in real-life contexts.
Bonus tip:
Ask the genAI to throw some unexpected “curve balls” into the scenario to really test your skills.
Example:
Act as a concept map builder. Show me how [insert concepts/topics] are interrelated. Identify overlaps, dependencies, or logical sequences among these topics. Summarise connections in a simplified ‘map’ or list format for clarity.
How this may help:
Understanding the links between different subjects and concepts fosters a more holistic grasp of the material, enabling you to see “the bigger picture”.
Bonus tip:
After reviewing the concept map, ask the genAI to present you with a real-world scenario or problem and challenge you to explain how the mapped concepts would interact or apply in that situation.
Example:
Act as a personal motivator. Suggest strategies and tips to keep me motivated while studying [insert topic or subject]. Address possible challenges like procrastination, stress, or low confidence. Provide short, practical advice and motivational quotes or affirmations.
How this may help:
Motivational tips can help you overcome psychological barriers, maintain consistent study habits, and develop a positive mindset, all contributing to improved academic performance.
Bonus tip:
At the end of your motivational session, ask the genAI to help you create a simple, personalised, “Why I’m learning this” statement. Writing this in your own words and reading it back regularly can reinforce purpose, boost motivation, and help you push through challenges.
Example:
Act as a moderator. Create a roundtable discussion between me and three experts on [insert concept/topic]. Each expert should have a distinct viewpoint or specialty. Invite them to respond to my questions, debate one another’s points, and provide insights.
How this may help:
A simulated roundtable can expose you to diverse perspectives, deepening their critical thinking. You can learn to compare differing viewpoints, ask informed questions, and integrate new information effectively.
Bonus tip:
After the round table discussion, have one of the characters challenge you to a debate on the topic, with genAI as the adjudicator.
Microsoft has a number of support pages to get the best out of prompts when using Copilot:
Copilot FAQs from DTS
DTS Session: How to write effective prompts (staff access required)
There are important considerations around uploading files and information to genAI tools. These can include data security/privacy, copyright, sensitivity and/or ownership of information, and other cultural, organisational, or IP considerations.
Staff should visit the What can I use? (staff) page for more information on uploading files and considerations around uploading information.
Students can visit their own What can I use? page for considerations around the use of files and information with genAI. This page includes additional information for HDR students.
We'd love to hear your feedback on this portal. If you think changes could be made, or more information added, please visit our feedback page.
