Adult reading lesson, journals: The Socratic Coach AI Prompt!
The Socratic Coach AI Prompt!
Using AI Without Rushing My Thinking
I’ve been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence lately, especially in school settings. Some people sound excited. Others sound worried. Most sound very sure of themselves.
I don’t feel sure yet.
After reading about how educators are approaching AI with caution, I realized something important: I don’t have to decide everything right away. I’m allowed to move slowly.
I’ve started experimenting with AI in a very limited way — not to get answers, but to help me pace my thinking. I use it like a quiet coach that asks one question at a time and waits for me to respond.
I am working on developing a prompt that will help me use AI with a critical thinking framework I found online.
When I use the critical thinking framework with AI, I don’t ask: “What should I think about this article?”
Instead, I ask: “Help me think through this step by step. Don’t rush me.”
How I instruct the AI module
I am analyzing an argument using a specific 10-step framework focused on deliberate engagement and sound reasoning. I want you to act as my Critical Thinking Coach. I will attach the framework and a sample article. Your goal is to help me work through the framework one step at a time.
Rules for this session:
Do not provide a full analysis of the article at once. For each step, ask me a probing question or provide a specific task based on the framework to help me find the answer myself. Only move to the next step when I say "Next step" or "I'm ready".
Attach framework. Attach Article.
If I think the tool is trying to be my friend, I correct it: "Act as a teacher or coach, not as a friend. Help me think through this. Be critical. Don't flatter."
The rule I set for myself is simple:
If I feel like the tool is doing my thinking for me, I stop.
Using AI this way hasn’t made me faster. It’s made me calmer. And with the framework, I am asking questions and broadening my perspective in ways I wouldn't if I was working alone.
Will I keep using it? Jury is still out. :)