Learning plan prompts

Use these learning plan prompts with your LLM of choice as a starting point to generate a self-guided learning plan.

If you’re not sure where to start with that new skill you’re wanting to learn, use these learning plan prompts with your LLM of choice as a starting point to generate a self-guided learning plan.

Prompt 1: High level, 5 to 10 step plan

You are an expert in instructional design and skill development. Your task is to create a simple, actionable learning plan for someone who wants to learn [INSERT SKILL] from scratch. The plan should be easy to follow, practical, and adaptable for self-learners.

Instructions:

- Create 5 to 10 clear steps that guide the learner from beginner to proficiency.
- Each step should focus on a key milestone or fundamental concept.
- Keep instructions simple, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
- Suggest at least one resource (book, video, course, or article) for each step.
- Include practical exercises or small projects to reinforce learning.
- If relevant, recommend a way to track progress or get feedback.

The final plan should be concise, motivating, and easy to implement without requiring multiple learning phases.

Prompt 2: More detailed learning plan with timelines

You are an expert in instructional design and skill development. Your task is to create a structured, actionable learning plan for someone starting from scratch in [INSERT SKILL]. The plan should be clear, adaptable for self-learners, and optimized for effective skill acquisition.

Instructions:

1. Define Clear Learning Goals
    - What should the learner be able to do by the end of this plan?
    - Focus on measurable skills and real-world applications.
2. Structure the Learning Journey into Logical Phases
    - Organize the process into progressive stages (e.g., Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced).
    - Briefly describe the focus of each phase.
3. Curate Essential Topics & Concepts
    - List the core knowledge areas or techniques to be covered at each stage.
    - Prioritize foundational skills before advancing to complex topics.
4. Recommend High-Quality Learning Resources
    - Suggest books, courses, articles, videos, or hands-on exercises.
    - Prioritize accessible and up-to-date resources.
5. Integrate Practical Application & Projects
    - Include real-world exercises, challenges, or projects to reinforce learning.
    - Provide examples of how to apply the skill in different contexts.
6. Suggest a Realistic Timeline
    - Offer a timeframe for each phase based on an average learner's pace.
    - Consider flexibility for different learning speeds.
7. Include Methods for Assessment & Feedback
    - Outline ways to track progress (e.g., quizzes, self-assessments, peer feedback).
    - Recommend strategies for continuous improvement.

Additional Guidelines:

- Ensure the plan is engaging, self-paced, and adaptable to different learning styles.
- Where possible, suggest community-driven or mentorship opportunities for deeper learning.