As ChatGPT, Copilot and similar tools become increasingly embedded in education, knowing what questions to ask is a critical skill, says Nesren El-Baz, an ESL educator with more than 20 years of experience, writing in eSchool News.
The effectiveness of AI depends on the quality of the questions asked, he asserts.
“Whether a student is researching climate change, drafting an essay, or solving a coding problem, the ability to craft clear, thoughtful, and precise questions makes all the difference. When students master this skill, they not only maximize the use of AI but also build confidence and independence as learners and thinkers, El-Baz writes.
Questions shape AI responses, he writes. AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are designed to respond to the input they receive. A vague question yields a generic response, while a specific and well-constructed question unlocks deeper, more meaningful answers. El-Baz gives this example:
Question 1: “What is climate change?”
The response is basic: a general definition of climate change.
Question 2: “How does climate change affect agriculture, and what sustainable practices can farmers adopt to mitigate its impact?”
The response is rich and detailed, offering insights into causes, effects, and potential solutions.
A well-crafted question guides AI to generate responses that are more targeted, nuanced, and actionable, he writes.
This skill is essential across all subjects, according to El-Baz.
- In literature, students might ask, “How does the author’s use of symbolism enhance the theme of loss?”
- In history, they could inquire, “What were the key economic factors that led to the fall of the Roman Empire?”
- In math, they might refine their query from, “How do I solve this problem?” to “What strategies can I use to simplify quadratic equations?”
Students who craft such questions unlock the potential of AI tools not as simple answer machines but as partners in exploration and problem-solving, El-Baz writes.
He describes how teachers can help students develop this skill.
- Teach students to avoid vague or overly broad questions. For example, instead of asking “What is pollution?” encourage them to ask, “What are the primary causes of air pollution in urban areas, and how can governments address them?” This questioning leads to actionable and meaningful answers.
- Encourage students to improve their questions iteratively. They can start with a general query, analyze the AI’s response, and adjust their question for greater depth or clarity. A student researching ecosystems might start with “What is an ecosystem?” After analyzing the response, they could refine it to: “What are the key components of a rainforest ecosystem, and how do they interact to maintain balance?” The iterative process enhances the quality of AI-generated results and strengthens student critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Provide examples where asking the right questions is crucial. For instance, during a research project on climate change, students can experiment with different questions to see how specificity affects AI’s responses. The hands-on approach makes learning more tangible and engaging.
- Show students how questioning enhances learning in various disciplines. In science, they might ask, “What would happen if we replaced all fossil fuels with renewable energy sources?” In history, they could inquire, “How did World War I impact women’s roles in society?” And in creative writing, they might refine a prompt like “Write me a story.” to “Write a story about an unlikely hero who overcomes self-doubt to save their village.”
- Allow students to use tools like ChatGPT to practice iterative questioning. For example, a student could start with a vague prompt: “Explain photosynthesis.” After reviewing the response, they could refine it to: “How do plants use chlorophyll during photosynthesis, and why is this process vital for the ecosystem?” This helps students see how specific questions yield deeper insights and teaches them how to interact effectively with AI tools.
To reinforce these concepts, consider student prompts and AI responses:
Initial question: “What is photosynthesis?”
AI response: “Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.”
Refined question: “How do chloroplasts contribute to photosynthesis, and what role does light play in the process?”
AI response: “Chloroplasts are the organelles in plant cells that capture sunlight. They use this light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a form of sugar, and oxygen. Light provides the energy needed to drive the chemical reactions that produce glucose.”
This simple exercise demonstrates the value of iterative questioning and encourages students to think critically about the information they seek.
Teaching students to master the art of questioning equips them to harness the full power of AI tools, fosters critical thinking, and prepares them for success in any field, writes El-Baz.
As teachers, let’s commit to nurturing this essential skill. What questions will your students ask tomorrow? Let’s ensure they’re the kind that inspire curiosity, ignite understanding, and open doors to new possibilities, concludes El-Baz.
eSchool News
