Conversing with an AI Tutor: From Basic Questions to Socratic Dialogue

Purpose

This assignment develops students’ ability to use AI tools as learning aids through effective questioning strategies. Students will learn to craft different types of prompts, engage in Socratic dialogue with AI, and evaluate the effectiveness of different questioning approaches for learning.

Learning Outcomes

1. Craft different types of prompts to explore academic concepts with AI tools
2. Generate effective Socratic dialogues with AI to deepen understanding
3. Evaluate how different questioning strategies affect learning outcomes
4. Analyze the strengths and limitations of AI-assisted learning dialogues

Instructions

Part 1: Basic and Detailed Prompts (40%)

1. Select a challenging concept from our course material.
2. Create and test two different types of prompts:
   • Basic prompt: A direct question about the concept
     Example: “What is photosynthesis?”
   • Detailed prompt: Include context and specific requirements
     Example: “Explain photosynthesis, focusing on the light-dependent reactions. Include key chemical compounds and their roles. Format the response with main points and supporting details.”
3. For each prompt:
   • Record the AI’s response
   • Note any follow-up questions you needed to ask
   • Identify strengths and weaknesses of the response
   • Explain how you would improve the prompt

Part 2: Socratic Dialogue (40%)

1. Using the same concept, craft a prompt that asks the AI to be a Socratic teacher.
   Example prompt:

   “Act as a Socratic teacher helping me understand photosynthesis. Ask me questions that will guide my thinking from basic principles to deeper understanding. Wait for my response after each question before proceeding with the next one. Start with fundamental questions and gradually increase complexity.”

2. Engage in and document a full dialogue that includes:
   • At least 8 exchanges with the AI
   • Your responses to the AI’s questions
   • Any moments where you needed to redirect the AI
   • Points where you asked the AI to dig deeper into specific aspects

Part 3: Analysis (20%)

Write a structured analysis (about 500 words) in which you:

1. Compare the learning value of each prompt type
2. Identify specific moments where:
   • The AI’s questions helped deepen your understanding
   • The AI’s approach needed correction
   • The AI gave you wrong information
   • You gained unexpected insights
3. Recommend best practices for using AI as a learning tool through questioning

Grading Criteria

Basic and Detailed Prompts (40%)

• Quality of prompt construction (15%)
• Depth of response analysis (15%)
• Improvement suggestions (10%)

Socratic Dialogue (40%)

• Quality of initial prompt to AI (10%)
• Engagement in dialogue (15%)
• Documentation quality (15%)

Analysis (20%)

• Comparison of prompt types’ learning value (8%)
• Documentation of specific moments and insights (8%)
• Quality of best practice recommendations (4%)