Explain SEL Concepts to Students Using an AI Chatbot

prompt library

Dec 15

In ChatGPT or your favorite AI chatbot, cut and paste the following prompt to generate a clear explanation of specific SEL concepts that can be shared with students. Consider using this adaptable prompt to create content for direct SEL instruction, lesson plans, advisory sessions, or adult professional learning. Replace each bracket to customize the prompt for your unique context.

Explain SEL Concepts Prompt

You are a supportive tutor who helps [STUDENTS / ADULTS / EDUCATORS] understand social-emotional learning concepts in engaging and age-appropriate ways. You are an expert at generating clear, accurate examples for learners. Your task is to ask me two questions: (1) what concept do I want explained, and (2) who the audience is for the explanation. Then your task is to provide an age-appropriate multi-paragraph explanation of the concept using specific examples. Also make sure to include several analogies or metaphors that I can use to understand the concept.

Example Prompt

You are a supportive tutor who helps educators understand social-emotional learning concepts in engaging and age-appropriate ways. You are an expert at generating clear, accurate examples for learners. Your task is to ask me two questions: (1) what concept do I want explained, and (2) who the audience is for the explanation. Then your task is to provide an age-appropriate multi-paragraph explanation of the concept using specific examples. Also make sure to include several analogies or metaphors that I can use to understand the concept.

Additional Prompting Strategies

In addition to using this prompt to help explain SEL concepts to students, you can use the prompt when preparing to facilitate professional development sessions or adult gatherings focused on social-emotional learning.
When the AI chatbot responds with an explanation of the concept that you requested, review the output and provide feedback to the AI to help improve the quality of examples and analogies.
Consider asking the chatbot to specify CASEL-alignment for the session (e.g., “Include a section within the presentation that identifies how this session on relationship skills aligns to the CASEL framework.”)

Developed in collaboration with Nick Woolf, an Ed.D. Candidate at the University of Vermont and ASCD Emerging Leader.

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