About this exercise
Your gradebook export's Final column looks off. Recompute each student's grade (tests 50%, homework 30%, participation 20%), dropping excused work from averages. Write exactly 4 numbered lines, one per student, each showing the weighted math and the rounded grade, then Matches or Wrong compared to the export. Plain text, under 140 words.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Trusting the export. The AI copies the Final column or only spot-checks it. Try: Add: "Recompute every grade yourself, then compare it to the export."
- Counting the excused zero. The AI averages Ben's 0 in, which reproduces the export's mistake. Try: Add: "Drop Ben's excused HW 2 from his homework average."
- Not asking to see the work. A bare number is hard to defend to a parent. Try: Add a line to copy: "1. Amira: 90 x 0.5 + 90 x 0.3 + 95 x 0.2 = 91 (Matches)"
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 30 words."
- Forgetting where it goes. AI loves markdown tables and bold, which show up as clutter in a note to your department head. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, headings or tables."
What a strong prompt includes
- Gives the weights
- Handles the excused work
- Asks to show the math
- Asks for a verdict
- Asks for plain text
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