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From Grammar Drills to Prompt Skills

Teaching communication is the foundation for mastering AI.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve engaged with academia and encountered a wide range of reactions to AI. Some universities are trying to block its use entirely, while others are cautiously experimenting, reimagining assessments to teach students how to think critically using AI.

But then there’s the “head in the sand” approach—where AI is ignored out of fear of plagiarism, privacy concerns, or the belief that it will make students less intelligent. This mindset risks leaving students woefully unprepared for a world where AI is already reshaping industries, workflows, and careers.

The truth is, AI is not going away. It’s evolving—from a simple tool to a collaborative partner—and challenging us to rethink how we communicate, learn, and innovate.

The rise of AI doesn’t just demand that we adopt new tools—it requires us to rethink how and what we teach. While the purpose of education remains the same—equipping students to thrive in the real world—the methods and focus need a complete overhaul. AI has evolved from being a simple tool to a collaborative partner, challenging us to rethink communication, problem-solving, and innovation.

Here’s how we can prepare ourselves—and the next generation—to thrive in an AI-powered future:

1. Communication as a Superpower: Why Good Conversationalists Thrive in the AI Era

Believe it or not, English majors might just be the MVPs of this new era. Their ability to organize ideas, craft clear arguments, and tell compelling stories gives them a distinct edge in interacting with AI. Why? Because using tools like ChatGPT effectively isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about crafting conversations.

But the need for strong communication skills doesn’t stop with individuals. Forward-thinking institutions are leading the charge:

• Harvard University is embedding philosophy and ethics into computer science courses through its Embedded EthiCS program, teaching engineers to think critically about the societal impacts of technology.

• Stanford University has created joint majors that combine computer science with humanities disciplines like English, helping students bridge technical expertise with creativity and human-centered thinking.

The lesson here is clear: universities are realizing that effective communication is no longer just a soft skill—it’s a survival skill. And this begins far earlier than college. Schools need to reimagine writing instruction. It’s not just about grammar; it’s about teaching students how to structure ideas, pose meaningful questions, and connect concepts. Writing is, after all, the syntax of human thought.

How We Prepare Students:

• Treat writing and communication as foundational skills across all disciplines—not just in the humanities.

• Introduce AI tools like ChatGPT in classrooms so students can practice refining prompts and engaging in iterative conversations.

• Create exercises that focus on clear delegation, like writing step-by-step instructions for AI or peers.

Actionable Tip: Approach AI interactions like writing an essay—refine your questions, add structure, and iterate until you get the desired results.

2. Communication with AI: From Commands to Conversations

AI isn’t a glorified search bar, and treating it as such limits its potential. Generative AI thrives on back-and-forth exchanges. Think of it as brainstorming with a creative (and sometimes unpredictable) partner.

Politeness and Context Matter: The tone and clarity you use can shape the responses you get. Providing detailed instructions, examples, and even polite phrasing leads to better outcomes because generative AI often mimics the tone it receives.

The Death of Single-Answer Thinking: Our education system is built around finding the “right answer,” but this mindset doesn’t work with AI. In a world of iterative conversations, trial and error is key. Perhaps it’s time to reimagine how we teach students to think—shifting away from a search-and-find mentality to one that rewards curiosity, exploration, and dialogue.

Critical Thinking becomes very important: AI might speed up answers, but critical thinking ensures we’re asking the right questions in the first place.

How We Prepare Students:

• Replace traditional assignments with tasks that emphasize iterative conversations and refinement using AI tools.

• Teach students to embrace trial-and-error thinking and build upon initial ideas rather than stopping at the first result.

• Teach students to think through really deep, difficult problems using AI as a sparring partner to develop their critical thinking.

Actionable Tip: Treat AI as if it were a collaborative intern. Provide clear instructions, refine its outputs, and—believe it or not—be polite. It actually helps.

3. Mastering Prompt Engineering: The New Literacy

If communication is the bridge between humans and AI, prompts are the foundation. Prompt engineering—the ability to craft effective instructions for AI—is quickly becoming a vital skill.

A good prompt is like a recipe:

• Start with a clear goal: For example, “Summarize,” “Analyze,” or “Suggest.”

• Add context: Who is the audience? What’s the purpose?

• Set constraints: Specify tone, word count, or desired format.

Maybe Schools Will Finally Take Communication Seriously: Prompt engineering is essentially learning how to communicate clearly and delegate effectively to AI. It’s a skill that rewards structured thinking and precision. If anything, the rise of AI might force education systems to finally treat communication as a core competency—not just for essays, but for navigating a tech-driven world.

Prompt-writing might be the most important skill schools aren’t teaching yet.

How We Prepare Students:

• Introduce “prompt-writing” exercises where students craft detailed instructions for AI tools to achieve specific outcomes.

• Combine these lessons with critical thinking exercises to teach students how to evaluate and refine AI-generated responses.

• Encourage creativity by challenging students to design prompts that address real-world problems.

Actionable Tip: Practice writing prompts with the same level of clarity you’d use to brief a team. Creativity and precision both matter.

Final Thoughts

The risks of ignoring AI are clear: a “head in the sand” mentality will leave students ill-prepared for the real world. Instead, we need to teach them how to harness AI effectively. Communication, prompt engineering, and creative problem-solving aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential skills in this new era.

By integrating AI tools into classrooms, we can teach students how to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with technology. These aren’t just skills for the future—they’re skills for today.

Let’s rethink how we teach, embrace the possibilities of AI, and prepare students not just to use it, but to master it. The future of AI isn’t about what it can do—it’s about what we can achieve together.

If you forget everything else, remember this…