Whether you’re preparing a workshop at Incubator.org, creating course materials, or just trying to level up your own learning, these AI-powered prompt styles give you superpowers. Use them with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or other LLMs to speed up understanding, boost memory, and personalize your study journey.

1. Explain Like I’m 5 

Break it down so even a kid could get it. 

Use for: Quick understanding of difficult topics

Prompt Template:

“Explain [insert concept or topic] as if you were talking to a 5-year-old child. Use simple language and everyday examples.”

Tools that support this:

• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Pi (empathy-first tone)

2. Examples and Analogies

Make abstract ideas click with real-world comparisons. 

Use for: Teaching abstract concepts or unfamiliar terminology 

Prompt Template:

“Explain [insert concept or topic] using three different real-world examples or analogies that would be easy for a beginner to understand.” 

Add-on Tip: Combine with visuals using Canva or Gamma to illustrate the analogies.

3. Motivation Boost

Stay inspired—even when things get tough.

Use for: Self-regulated learning, daily study habits 

Prompt Template:

“I’m struggling to stay motivated while learning [insert subject or skill]. Provide me with 5 practical strategies to boost my motivation and maintain consistency.”

AI wellness tools:

• Mindsera – AI-guided journaling
• Remente – Digital coaching for life goals

4. Role-Play a Scenario

Act out a real-life situation to test your knowledge.

Use for: Soft skills, interviews, customer service, leadership training 

Prompt Template:

“Let’s role-play a scenario where I’m [insert role] and you’re [insert another role]. Begin the scenario, and I’ll respond accordingly.” 

Bonus Tool: Try using Character.ai for more immersive role-play simulations.

5. Study Plan Generator

Map out your learning path in manageable chunks. 

Use for: Structuring courses, workshops, or study sprints 

Prompt Template:

“Create a detailed study plan for learning [insert subject or topic] from beginner to advanced. Include specific goals, resources, and milestones.” 

Pair With:

• Notion templates
• Tana for linked daily workflows
• Incubator.org’s LMS to publish the course!

6. Quiz Me!

Test yourself with AI-generated questions. 

Use for: Practice exams, flashcards, retrieval-based learning 

Prompt Template:

“Generate a 10-question quiz on [insert topic]. Use a mix of multiple-choice, true/false, short answer, and brief explanations.”

Flashcard Tools:

• Quizlet
• Brainscape
• ChatGPT custom GPTs with quiz-generation logic

7. Mindmap It

Visualize how everything connects.

Use for: Lecture planning, system design, learning complex topics

Prompt Template:

“Create a detailed mind map for the topic [insert topic], including branches, sub-themes, and key concepts or ideas for each.”

Mindmap Tools:

• Miro
• MindMeister
• Whimsical

8. Expert Roundtable

Get multiple expert views at once.

Use for: Exploring diverse viewpoints, research debates, or complex issues

Prompt Template:

“Simulate a roundtable discussion between 3 experts in [insert field] discussing [insert topic or question]. Present their unique viewpoints and any areas of disagreement.” 

Combine With:

• Google Scholar summaries
• YouTube transcripts via Glasp

9. Mental Associations 

Use clever memory tricks to remember better.

Use for: Memorization, studying for tests, language learning

Prompt Template:

“Help me create mental associations or mnemonic devices to remember key information about [insert topic or concept].”

Mnemonic Tools:

• RemNote
• Anki
• MemoryOS

10. Improve What You Have 

Refine writing, presentations, or slides with feedback from AI.

Use for: Draft reviews, blog editing, course materials

Prompt Template:

“Here’s something I’ve written/created/produced: [insert your work]. Please provide suggestions to improve it, focusing on [clarity / style / tone / structure / engagement]. Explain why each change would help.”

Used by teachers & learners to:

• Polish lesson plans
• Improve blog articles (like this one!) 
• Elevate student submissions

Enhancement Tools:

• Grammarly
• Wordtune
• Claude.ai (for longform clarity)

🗨️ Join the conversation at: https://incubator.org/applications/discussions/prompt-strategies-for-students-teachers-and-lifelong-learners 

Bonus for Incubator.org Users: You can remix these strategies directly inside your next post, course, or workshop.

Pair these prompt types with our platform’s tools—like Courses, Blogs, or Discussions —to level up your content creation and learning.