AI Prompts for Education & E-Learning: Lesson Plans, Quizzes & Course Outlines (2026 Guide)

Prompt Framework for Teachers & Course Creators

Most education prompt libraries suggest including grade/level, subject, topic, objectives, and time in every request. A simple reusable pattern:

"You are an experienced [subject] teacher.
Grade/level: [X].
Topic: [topic].
Class type: [in-person/online/hybrid].
Time: [duration].
Learning objectives: [bullets].
Constraints: [standards, differentiation, assessment, tech].
Create [lesson/quiz/outline] in a clear structure."

For course creators, add audience, prerequisites, and format (self-paced, cohort, microlearning).

AI Prompts for Lesson Plans

These mirror structures from teacher prompt libraries and lesson-planning guides.

Full single-lesson plan (K–12 or higher ed)

"Create a detailed [length, e.g., 45-minute] lesson plan for [subject] for [grade/level] on the topic of [topic]. Include:

• Learning objectives in student-friendly 'I can' statements
• Required materials
• Step-by-step procedure (warm-up, direct instruction, guided practice, independent work, closure)
• At least one formative assessment/check for understanding
• One extension or enrichment activity and one support/scaffold idea for struggling learners."

Differentiated lesson ideas

"Given this lesson objective: [objective], suggest differentiated activities for three groups:

• Students who need extra support
• On-level students
• Students who need extension/challenge

Make each activity concrete, using the same core topic but different scaffolds or complexity."

Lesson from standards or outcomes

"Using these standards/learning outcomes: [paste], design a lesson plan for [grade/level, subject]. Output:

• Brief overview
• Mapped learning objectives to each standard
• Key vocabulary
• Core activity that authentically assesses the standard."

AI Prompts for Quizzes & Assessments

Prompt libraries show AI can draft MCQs, short answers, rubrics, and alternative assessments in minutes.

Multiple-choice quiz from content

"Create [number] multiple-choice questions for [subject/topic] at [grade/level] using this text or lesson summary: [paste]. Each question should have 1 correct answer and 3 plausible distractors, and include a brief explanation for why the correct answer is correct and what misconception each distractor represents."

Formative "quick check" questions

"Generate 5 quick formative assessment questions (mix of multiple-choice and short answer) to check whether students understood [specific concept]. Keep them short and suitable for an exit ticket."

Higher-order questions (Bloom's)

"Given this topic: [topic], create: 2 understanding questions, 2 application questions, 2 analysis/evaluation questions aligned with Bloom's Taxonomy, appropriate for [grade/level]."

Rubric for a project/assignment

"Design a rubric for a [type of assignment: essay, project, presentation] on [topic] for [grade/level]. Include 3–5 criteria (e.g., content understanding, organization, creativity, mechanics, use of sources), each with 4 performance levels and clear descriptors in student-friendly language."

AI Prompts for Course Outlines & E-Learning Design

Instructional design prompts emphasize learning goals, modules, and assessment alignment.

Full course outline from idea

"Act as an instructional designer. Outline a [length, e.g., 4-week] online course on [course topic] for [target learners: age/role/experience]. Provide:

• Course description and learning outcomes
• Module/week breakdown with titles
• 3–5 key concepts or lessons per module
• Suggested primary activity or assignment per module
• One main assessment that aligns with the outcomes."

Microlearning sequence

"Design a microlearning series of 10 short lessons (5–10 minutes each) on [topic] for busy adult learners. For each lesson, provide: A title, One specific micro-objective, A brief activity (e.g., scenario, question, reflection), A 1–2 question self-check."

Storyboard for a video lesson

"Create a storyboard for a 10-minute instructional video on [topic] for [audience]. Include:

• Scene-by-scene outline (screen visuals + narration summary)
• Where to include examples, diagrams, or on-screen text
• 2 points where the instructor should pause and ask a question."

Prompts for Differentiation & Personalization

Guides highlight adapting materials for different reading levels, backgrounds, and needs.

Adapt text to reading levels

"Rewrite this explanation of [concept] for three reading levels: Level 1: early middle school, Level 2: typical high school, Level 3: advanced or AP/college. Keep the key ideas but adjust vocabulary and sentence complexity."

Scaffolds for struggling learners

"For this task: [describe], suggest scaffolds for students who are struggling, such as graphic organizers, sentence starters, partially completed examples, or vocabulary supports."

Extension for advanced learners

"Design 3 extension activities for students who quickly master [concept]. Each should deepen understanding through application, analysis, or creation (e.g., designing a problem, teaching a mini-lesson, or connecting to real-world issues)."

Best Practices for AI in Education Prompts

• Always specify level and context. Grade, subject, prior knowledge, and class duration dramatically change the output.
• Treat outputs as drafts. Guides emphasize that teachers remain the professional, using AI as a starting point to adjust for students and standards.
• Include objectives, not just topics. "Teach photosynthesis" is weaker than "Students will be able to explain X and compare Y."
• Ask for structure and formats. Request sections, question types, or rubrics so results are ready to plug into LMSs or slides.
• Iterate and refine. Follow-ups like "simplify language for ESL students," "make it more inquiry-based," or "align with Bloom's higher levels" help tailor results quickly.

FAQ: AI Prompts for Education