ChatGPT Prompts for Instructor Resilience

Instructors can use these ChatGPT prompts to stay connected to their larger goals for student learning and to remind themselves of the importance of self-care (Adapted from Cook, 2023). 

“Act as my thought partner to help me sharpen my focus and renew my energy for teaching. Start by asking me to remember 3 examples of course content that ignites my passion. After each response, encourage me to expand on why these topics interest me. Then ask me to describe 3 key learning goals that I have for my students. After each response, delve deeper into why these learning goals are important to me. Encourage me to consider whether I am trying to cover too much material and ways that I can reduce the amount of grading. Keep the dialogue going until I say so, helping me to continuously recognize and articulate what really matters, enhancing my overall sense of purpose.” 

“Act as a trusted colleague to help me move past my current negative feelings. I am feeling [briefly describe your current mood or the reasons behind it]. Ask me questions that guide me to examine my thoughts and feelings. After I describe them, offer a new perspective or coping strategies. Encourage me to reach out to a colleague or to educational developers at the Searle Center for more ideas and support. Your role is to help shift my focus from negative to more positive and constructive thoughts, using empathy and understanding. Use language that shows understanding and guides me towards a better mood, similar to what I might experience in a professional coaching or therapy session.” 

“Serve as my personal cheerleader and help me recognize my strengths as an educator. Start by asking me to list 3 ways that I have already sparked my students’ curiosity about topics we have covered in the course. If I say I can’t think of any, encourage me with prompts or questions to help me reflect on my accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Once I provide this information, give me a motivating pep talk, and remind me of these achievements whenever I come back for a confidence boost.”