Skip to main content
Hints for Writing Prompts Include detailed information about the context of your course and the assignment students are working on. Be sure to specify details such as length of papers and presentations, resources that students can consult, and timelines or deadlines, if applicable.
Example Prompt 1

You are an experienced instructor in Health Promotion. Please draft a set of instructions for students that will help them succeed in a semester-long group project. Students will work together in teams of five to create a health promotion campaign that encourages teens to spend less time on social media and electronic devices.

The project needs to include

  1. literature review on the health effects of screen time and social media on teens
  2. an audience focus group with at least five teens to get feedback on the campaign
  3. a 15-minute presentation of the proposed campaign during the last week of the class. Students can choose the format of the campaign, including a website, posters, Instagram stories, a podcast, or storyboards for TV ads

Students will meet weekly for 30 minutes in class and can organize additional group meetings on their own. Please include suggestions for how students can identify and divide roles and responsibilities in their group, and how they can manage their time during the term.

Output 1 (Copilot)

 

Sure, here are some instructions that could help students succeed in this semester-long group project:

  1. Understanding the Project: Firstly, it’s important to understand the project’s objectives and requirements. The goal is to create a health promotion campaign to encourage teens to spend less time on social media and electronic devices. The project includes a literature review, audience focus group, and a final presentation.
  2. Team Formation and Role Assignment: Form a team of 5 members. Each member should have a clear role and responsibilities. Roles could include a project manager (oversees the project), a researcher (conducts the literature review), a facilitator (organizes the focus group), a creative lead (designs the campaign), and a presenter (presents the final campaign). Roles can rotate or be shared based on the team’s agreement.
  3. Time Management: Create a timeline for the project with key milestones and deadlines. This should include time for research, focus group feedback, campaign creation, and presentation preparation. Use tools like Google Calendar or Trello to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
  4. Regular Meetings: Hold weekly 30-minute meetings in class to discuss progress, address issues, and plan for the next steps. Additional meetings can be organized as needed.
  5. Literature Review: Conduct a thorough literature review on the health effects of screen time and social media on teens. Use reliable sources and take detailed notes. This will form the basis of your campaign.
  6. Audience Focus Group: Organize a focus group with at least 5 teens to get feedback on your campaign. Prepare questions in advance and ensure the discussion stays on topic.
  7. Campaign Creation: Choose a format for your campaign that will effectively reach your target audience. This could be a website, posters, Instagram stories, a podcast, or storyboards for TV ads. Be creative and make sure your message is clear and compelling.
  8. Final Presentation: Prepare a 15-minute presentation of your proposed campaign to be delivered during the last week of class. Practice the presentation to ensure it fits within the time limit and clearly communicates your campaign.

Remember, communication is key in a group project. Keep the lines of communication open, respect each other’s ideas, and work together towards your common goal. Good luck!

Example Prompt 2

Refine the prompt by adding a couple of themes that you would like the instructions to include (e.g., constructive feedback or someone not completing their work on time).

I would like to make sure that my students are prepared if disagreement or conflict arises in their group. Can you create a handout with recommendations for constructively resolving challenges during a group project? Please address issues such as what happens if someone is too busy and not able to do their part on the project, what to do if two people disagree, or how to provide peers with constructive feedback.

Output 2 (Copilot)

 

Resolving Challenges in Group Projects

Group projects can be a great opportunity for learning and collaboration, but they can also present unique challenges. Here are some strategies to help you navigate these challenges and ensure a successful project.

1. Dealing with Busy Schedules

It’s common for team members to have different schedules and commitments. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Open Communication: Encourage team members to communicate their availability and any potential conflicts as early as possible.
  • Flexible Planning: Try to schedule meetings at times that work for everyone. Use tools like Doodle or Google Calendar to find common free times.
  • Task Distribution: If a member is too busy, consider redistributing tasks among the team. Make sure this is done fairly and with everyone’s agreement.

2. Resolving Disagreements

Disagreements are natural in any team. Here’s how to resolve them constructively:

  • Active Listening: Encourage everyone to listen to each other’s viewpoints without interruption.
  • Open Discussion: Allow each person to express their opinion and discuss the pros and cons of each viewpoint.
  • Consensus Building: Try to reach a decision that everyone can agree on. If this isn’t possible, consider voting on the decision.

3. Providing Constructive Feedback

Providing feedback to peers can be tricky. Here’s how to do it effectively:

  • Be Specific: Instead of saying “Your work wasn’t good,” say “I think your argument could be stronger if you provided more evidence.”
  • Focus on the Task, Not the Person: Say “The report needs more data” instead of “You didn’t include enough data in the report.”
  • Use “I” Statements: Instead of “You made a mistake,” say “I noticed an error in the calculation.”

Remember, the key to a successful group project is open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to work together towards a common goal. Good luck!