Students’ Guide – Subject Strategies

File: students-guide/04-subject-strategies.md

◆ Introduction

Different subjects require different ways of thinking. AI can support learning across all areas, but the prompts and strategies must match the subject. This guide provides examples for STEM, Humanities, Languages, and Creative Arts, with prompts suitable for both younger and older students.

Remember: AI is a compass. It can point you in the right direction, but you must walk the path yourself.

◆ STEM Subjects (Mathematics, Science, Technology)

✦ Mathematics

▸ Younger level:
"Explain how to add fractions with the same denominator, using simple steps for a Grade 5 student."
▸ Senior level:
"Show me how to solve a quadratic equation step by step, but let me do the calculations."

✦ Science

▸ Younger level:
"Explain the water cycle in simple terms and ask me three quiz questions."
▸ Senior level:
"Compare photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Highlight similarities and differences, then ask me two short‑answer questions."

✦ Technology / ICT

▸ Younger level:
"Explain what an algorithm is, using an everyday example like a recipe."
▸ Senior level:
"Explain the difference between a linear search and a binary search, and ask me to solve a practice problem."

✦ History

▸ Younger level:
"Explain why the Romans built roads, in simple terms for a Grade 6 student."
▸ Senior level:
"List three causes of World War I. Then ask me to explain how they are connected."

✦ Geography

▸ Younger level:
"Explain the difference between weather and climate, using examples a Grade 5 student can understand."
▸ Senior level:
"Compare the economic geography of South Africa and Japan. Suggest three similarities and three differences."

▸ Younger level:
"Explain what supply and demand means, using a tuck shop example."
▸ Senior level:
"Explain inflation in simple terms, then ask me to apply it to a real‑world scenario."

◆ Languages & Literature

✦ Reading & Vocabulary

▸ Younger level:
"Explain the meaning of [word] in simple terms. Give me one example sentence."
▸ Senior level:
"Ask me three comprehension questions about this passage [paste passage]. After I answer, critique my reasoning."

✦ Writing & Essays

▸ Younger level:
"Help me outline a book report. Suggest three main points I could include."
▸ Senior level:
"Based on my notes about Macbeth, suggest three possible thesis statements. Then list counter‑arguments I should address."

◆ Creative Arts

✦ Art

▸ Younger level:
"Explain what perspective means in drawing, using simple examples for a Grade 6 student."
▸ Senior level:
"Analyse my description of an art project idea. Suggest three artists from different movements I could research for inspiration."

✦ Music

▸ Younger level:
"Explain what rhythm means, using clapping as an example."
▸ Senior level:
"Explain the difference between major and minor scales, and ask me to identify which scale this melody belongs to [paste notes]."

◆ Final Note

Each subject has its own way of thinking. AI can help explain, quiz, and guide, but the final step must always be yours.

▸ Younger students: use AI to clarify and practise.
▸ Senior students: use AI to test arguments, critique drafts, and strengthen your own voice.

AI guides. You decide.