Introduce prompt-engineering training before students use Gen AI for structured self-study techniques¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The authors recommend training students on prompt engineering before deploying Gen AI within structured study techniques such as problem posing, stating that "The results of this study additionally support the introduction of Gen AI training into the curricula". Training consisted of a 15-minute video introducing how Gen AI works, prompt-engineering techniques with examples, and the transfer framework applied to posing physics problems. They also propose continuing to incorporate Gen AI into structured study techniques while keeping in mind students who hold moral objections.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• a training video or equivalent introducing Gen AI, prompt-engineering techniques, and a conceptual framework for the study technique

Constraints¶

• a subset of students hold moral objections to using Gen AI, which the authors say must be kept in mind when employing methods widely

Target Learners¶

• undergraduate physics students
• prospective engineering majors

Target Learning Goals¶

• effective self-directed study with Gen AI
• problem posing for practice-problem generation

Related Strategies¶

• Apply error mitigation such as self-consistency before deploying LLM-generated help, and frame unmitigated LLM feedback as an imperfect source
• Embed AI training for pre-service science teachers within science pedagogy and inquiry-based teaching rather than general tool operation
• Train teachers in prompt engineering, evaluating AI-generated responses, ethical and privacy considerations, and integrating AI outputs into pedagogical decision-making
• Design teachable ChatGPT sessions with purposeful errors or lower-level models so learners practice error correction
• Integrate Gen-AI as a targeted instructional tool using medium-to-long-term (8–16 week) interventions, phased scaffolding, and guided prompts rather than direct answers
• Strategically employ AI tools, including chatbots, within active learning methodologies such as problem-based learning, flipped classrooms, and virtual labs
• Introduce LLM tools at later stages of programming education, after students have acquired basic coding principles

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Lindsay Dawson, N. Sanjay Rebello. (2026). Exploring Students' Perceptions of Using Generative AI-Assisted Problem Posing. https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.12523