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As an instructor, there are unique ways that Claude can support every facet of your teaching process. However, it can be difficult knowing exactly where to begin when using it. This Knowledge Base article will cover three ways you can get started with using this tool in your course, alongside a sample prompt to try out to see what Claude has to offer.
Designing and Iterating on Course Materials
Use Claude to draft discussion prompts, assignment instructions, rubrics, and course schedules. Upload an existing syllabus and ask Claude to identify gaps in the content sequence, suggest active learning strategies, or align learning objectives with assessment tasks. Claude can generate multiple versions of an assignment prompt so you can choose the approach that best fits your course goals.
Sample Prompt: "I am designing a 300-level undergraduate course on urban planning at UNLV. Here is my current draft syllabus. Can you review the learning objectives and suggest three active learning activities that align with each module?"
If you use Claude to develop course materials or assessments, consider being transparent with students about that process. Modeling responsible AI use, including how you review and revise Claude's output, teaches students the critical evaluation skills they will need beyond your classroom.
Giving Feedback
Upload a set of student work samples (anonymized) and ask Claude to help you identify common patterns, draft feedback language for recurring issues, or create a rubric that reflects the specific skills you are assessing. Claude can help you maintain consistency across a large class without sacrificing the quality of feedback individual students receive.
Sample Prompt: "Here are three anonymized student essay introductions from my composition course. What common structural issues do you see? Draft feedback language I could adapt for each."
Conversation Preparation
Use Claude to think through how to approach a student concern, draft talking points for a sensitive advising conversation, or prepare for a department meeting where you expect pushback. Claude can help you anticipate questions, stress-test your reasoning, and find language that is clear and fair.
Sample Prompt: "I need to talk to a student about a pattern of late submissions that is affecting their grade. Help me prepare talking points that are direct but supportive."
AI can accelerate course design and feedback processes... but your disciplinary expertise, knowledge of your students, and professional judgment are what make those processes meaningful. Claude is a starting point, not a substitute for your teaching practice.