Ana Gonzalez
Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash
To use or not to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)—that is no longer the question, but rather how to use it effectively. And who better than AI to ask this question?
As Artificial Intelligence rapidly integrates into nearly every industry, it feels reminiscent of the .com boom💥, where innovation seemed to reshape the world overnight. Once considered a futuristic concept, AI is now a reality, seamlessly integrated into countless products and software to tackle challenges and drive progress. Recent developments in artificial intelligence technologies are forcing us to reimagine how we engage with the world around us.
This article isn’t about persuading you to adopt AI but rather about showing you how to maximize its potential. A recent Harvard Business Review article describes AI as a tool that can “transform the conditions and settings where people work so that questions that spark change—what we call ‘catalytic’ questions—can emerge.”
In the classroom, AI isn’t replacing educators instead it should be used as a powerful assistant to help generate high-quality, thought-provoking questions that lead students to “AHA” moments.
When using AI to create or refine questions, the key is in the prompts: specificity, clarity, and detail make all the difference. Let’s explore how you can leverage AI to enhance the learning experience and inspire meaningful engagement.
We put our CampusKnot AI-question generator to the test and here is what we found when creating questions:
1. Specify the Subject and Topic
Clearly state the subject (e.g., Biology, Economics, Psychology) and the specific topic you want questions about (e.g., “Photosynthesis,” “Supply and Demand,” “Behavioral Theories”).
Example Prompt: “Generate 5 in-depth multiple-choice questions on the topic of photosynthesis for an introductory Biology course.”
2. Define the Level of Difficulty
Indicate the academic level (e.g., introductory, intermediate, advanced) to ensure the questions align with the student’s knowledge.
Example Prompt: “Create challenging short-answer questions for an advanced Macroeconomics class on the topic of monetary policy.”
3. State the Question Type
You should always ask the AI to clarify the format of questions you need, such as multiple-choice, open-ended, discussion-based, or fill-in-the-blank. If you’re using a software like CampusKnot, simply choose the question type before generating the questions.
Example Prompt: “Write 3 open-ended questions to encourage classroom discussion on ethical dilemmas in artificial intelligence.”
4. Focus on Learning Objectives
Mention the specific skills or concepts you want the questions to assess, such as critical thinking, application, analysis, or comprehension.
Example Prompt: “Generate application-based questions for a Chemistry course about the decomposition of chemical reactions in a real-world scenario.”
5. Provide Examples or Context
If possible, include examples of the types of questions you’re looking for or provide background context for the topic. Inside CampusKnot we encourage you to copy/paste a paragraph from your textbook, a case study, or an online source you’d like to generate questions on.
Example Prompt: We used a little excerpt from a French course and here is what came up
Et voilà here are the results 🪄. Yes, CampusKnot’s AI question generator can create questions in other languages.
6. Request Explanations or Answer Keys
Ask for explanations or answers to be included, as this can help ensure the AI tool generates clear and accurate questions.
Example Prompt:
“Write 5 multiple-choice questions on U.S. history (Civil War period) for a college-level course, including the correct answers and brief explanations.”
Incorporating AI into your question-creation process isn’t about replacing your expertise—it’s about amplifying it. By leveraging AI to craft more thoughtful, specific, and engaging questions, you can spark deeper discussions, inspire critical thinking, and create those transformative moments for your students.
As Nicholas Carr in The Glass Cage suggests “as we continue to raise questions about AI, we need not resist all things algorithm. After all, we have been working and teaching with rule-based procedures long before the computer. But we can choose, as educators, to use emerging algorithmic tools more heuristically and with more rhetorically significant purpose.”
Remember, the key lies in how you guide the AI: clear, detailed prompts lead to better results. Don’t forget that the next great question is just a prompt away!
References:
Gregersen, Hal, and Nicola Morini Bianzino. “AI Can Help You Ask Better Questions — and Solve Bigger Problems.” Harvard Business Review, 26 May 2023, hbr.org/2023/05/ai-can-help-you-ask-better-questions-and-solve-bigger-problems.
Meehan, Sean Ross. “What Will AI Do to Question-Based Inquiry? (Opinion).” Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs, 2023, www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2023/08/16/what-will-ai-do-question-based-inquiry-opinion. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
