The CRAFT Prompting Framework

The CRAFT framework guides educators and students in creating effective prompts for AI tools:

  • Context: Providing clear background information
  • Role: Specifying the expertise needed
  • Audience: Identifying who the output is for
  • Format: Detailing the desired output format
  • Tone: Setting the appropriate style and approach

Examples in Education

Example 1: Math Word Problem Generator

Context: I'm teaching a 7th-grade math class on proportional relationships.
Role: You are an experienced middle school math teacher who specializes in creating engaging word problems.
Audience: The problems will be for 7th-grade students with varied math abilities.
Format: Create 5 word problems that involve proportional relationships in real-world contexts. Each problem should include the solution steps.
Tone: Make the problems relatable and interesting for 13-year-old students. Use scenarios they would find relevant.

Example 2: Historical Document Analysis

Context: My 10th-grade history class is studying the Civil Rights Movement.
Role: You are a historian specializing in 20th century American civil rights history.
Audience: The analysis is for high school sophomores who have basic knowledge of the civil rights era.
Format: Analyze the attached speech excerpt, highlighting 3 key rhetorical devices and explaining their historical significance. Include 2-3 discussion questions.
Tone: Academic but accessible, avoiding overly complex terminology.

Implementation Guide

  1. Identify Your Need: Determine exactly what you want the AI to produce
  2. Complete Each Element:
    • Context: What background information does the AI need?
    • Role: What expertise should the AI emulate?
    • Audience: Who will use the output?
    • Format: What structure should the output follow?
    • Tone: What style or voice is appropriate?
  3. Review and Refine: Check your prompt for clarity and specificity
  4. Test and Iterate: Try your prompt and refine based on results

Benefits of Using CRAFT

  • Creates more focused, relevant AI outputs
  • Saves time through clearer initial prompts
  • Produces more consistent, high-quality results
  • Makes AI assistance more accessible to educators
  • Helps maintain appropriate educational context

When to Use CRAFT

The CRAFT framework is particularly useful when:

  • Creating instructional materials
  • Generating assessment questions
  • Developing examples or scenarios
  • Creating differentiated content for diverse learners
  • Preparing discussion prompts or writing prompts

By following the CRAFT framework, educators can create AI prompts that deliver more useful, targeted content for their classroom needs.