Lesson 4: Context and Constraints
Overview
The 'C' in TEACH stands for Context and Constraints. This lesson focuses on how to provide relevant background information and set appropriate boundaries for the AI's response.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of context in prompts
- Learn how to set appropriate constraints
- Practice providing relevant background information
- Develop strategies for managing AI responses
Key Concepts
When providing context and constraints:
- Include relevant background information
- Specify any limitations or boundaries
- Consider the audience and their needs
- Set clear expectations for the response
- Address potential biases or limitations
Examples
Example 1: Contextualized Lesson
"Create a lesson plan for teaching fractions to 3rd graders who have already learned basic division. The class has 25 students with varying math abilities, and we have access to fraction manipulatives. Focus on hands-on activities that can be completed in 45 minutes."
This prompt provides context about prior knowledge, class size, resources, and time constraints.
Example 2: Constrained Assessment
"Design a 10-question quiz about the water cycle for 5th graders. Questions should be at a 5th-grade reading level, avoid complex scientific terminology, and include a mix of multiple choice and short answer questions. Each question should align with NGSS standard ESS2.C."
This prompt sets clear constraints about difficulty level, format, and standards alignment.
Practice Activity
Create a prompt that includes both context and constraints for an educational task. Make sure your prompt includes:
- Relevant background information
- Specific constraints or limitations
- Clear expectations for the output
- Consideration of the target audience
Interactive Prompt Tester
This is a safe environment to practice your prompting skills. Try crafting a prompt based on what you've learned. Your prompt and the response will be saved for your reference and to help improve this course.
Reflection Questions
- How does providing context improve the relevance of AI-generated content?
- What types of constraints are most important for educational materials?
- How can you ensure the context and constraints match your specific teaching situation?
Source: Test Course/TEST Prompting for Educators/Unit3_TEACHFramework_Lesson4.md