Unlock the full potential of AI tools

Key points:

Several years ago, during a flight from Houston to Paris, I had a conversation with the CEO of a major Houston-based company. When I mentioned that I was a teacher, I asked him, “What skills do you value most when hiring?” His response was simple but impactful: “We're always looking for people who know how to ask the right questions.”

That moment changed the way I view teaching. Asking the right questions is not just a tool for learning; It is a critical skill that defines success in the professional and personal spheres. Fast forward to today, where tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are transforming the way we learn and work. These ai tools are amazing, but their effectiveness depends on one thing: the quality of the questions asked.

Whether a student is researching climate change, writing an essay, or solving a coding problem, the ability to ask clear, thoughtful, and precise questions makes a difference. When students master this skill, they not only maximize their use of ai, but also develop confidence and independence as learners and thinkers.

How questions shape ai answers

ai tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are designed to respond to the inputs they receive. A vague question yields a generic answer, while a specific, well-formulated question unlocks deeper, more meaningful answers. Consider this example:

Question 1: “What is climate change?”

The answer 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 information on causes, effects, and possible solutions.

This comparison reveals the power of reflective questions. A well-crafted question guides the ai ​​to generate more specific, nuanced, and actionable answers.

But this skill is not limited to science or research; It is essential in all subjects:

• In literature, students might ask, “How does the author's use of symbolism enhance the theme of loss?”
• In history, they might ask: “What were the key economic factors that led to the fall of the Roman Empire?”
• In mathematics, they could refine their query from “How do I solve this problem?” to “What strategies can I use to simplify quadratic equations?”

When students learn to ask these types of questions, they unlock the potential of ai tools not as simple answering machines but as partners in problem-solving and exploration.

Teach students to ask the right questions

The art of asking is transformative, not only for the use of ai, but also for fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning. Here's how teachers can help students develop this skill:

First, start with specificity. Teach students to avoid vague or overly broad questions. For example, instead of asking “What is pollution?” Encourage them to ask: “What are the main causes of air pollution in urban areas and how can governments address them?” This teaches them to formulate questions that lead to practical and meaningful answers.

Second, refine through iteration. Encourage students to improve their questions iteratively. They can start with a general query, analyze the ai's response, and adjust their question for more depth or clarity. For example, a student researching ecosystems might begin with “What is an ecosystem?” After analyzing the answer, they could refine it to: “What are the key components of a rainforest ecosystem and how do they interact to maintain balance?” This iterative process not only improves the quality of the results generated by ai, but also strengthens your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Third, incorporate real-world scenarios. Provide examples where asking the right questions is crucial. For example, during a research project on climate change, students can experiment with different questions to see how specificity affects the ai's answers. This hands-on approach makes the learning process more tangible and engaging.

Four, enhance exploration between topics. Show students how questions improve learning in various disciplines. In science, you might ask, “What would happen if we replaced all fossil fuels with renewable energy sources?” In history, they might ask: “How did World War I affect the role of women in society?” And in creative writing, they might hone a prompt like “Write me a story.” to “Write a story about an unlikely hero who overcomes his doubts to save his village.”

Finally, Practice with ai tools. Let students use tools like ChatGPT to practice iterative questions. For example, a student might begin with a vague question: “Explain photosynthesis.” After reviewing the answer, you could refine it to: “How do plants use chlorophyll during photosynthesis and why is this process vital to the ecosystem?” This activity helps students see firsthand how specific questions generate deeper insights and teaches them how to effectively interact with ai tools.

A visual example

To reinforce these concepts, consider the following visual example of 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 of 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.

Conclusion

The conversation with the CEO on that transatlantic flight was a reminder that asking the right questions is more than just a skill: it's a way of thinking. Today, as tools like ChatGPT and Copilot become increasingly integral to education, this skill is more critical than ever.

Teaching students to master the art of questioning prepares them to harness the full power of ai tools, encourages critical thinking, and sets them up for success in any field.

As teachers, let us commit to fostering this essential skill. What questions will your students ask tomorrow? Let's make sure they are the kind that inspire curiosity, ignite understanding, and open doors to new possibilities.