Empowering MBA Professionals with Effective Communication Skills

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

As technology continues to advance, professors are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for their students. One such tool that has recently gained popularity is ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model. At My MBA Career, we explore how professors are utilizing this tool in the classroom to foster student success.

Pamela Bourjaily, an associate professor of business communication, recognized the potential of ChatGPT and decided to incorporate it into her syllabus as a way to teach her students how to effectively utilize the software for their writing assignments. However, she soon discovered that successful work with ChatGPT required specific steps and interactions, which went against the students’ initial expectations of quick and effortless results.

To address this challenge, Bourjaily designed an assignment that required students to identify weaknesses in the generic prompt output of ChatGPT and edit it to make it more specific and meaningful. Through this exercise, students not only improved their writing skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the limitations and nuances of AI-powered tools.

Taking her initiative further, Bourjaily developed a formula for achieving better results from ChatGPT. This formula includes specifying the role, task, requirements, context or constraints, goal, and format of the output. By providing clear instructions and parameters, Bourjaily hopes to guide her students towards producing more accurate and relevant content with the assistance of ChatGPT.

Looking ahead, Bourjaily plans to assign business problems for her students to solve using ChatGPT. This not only encourages them to refine their problem-solving skills but also prompts them to critically examine and identify any potential biases or limitations within the AI’s output. By engaging with ChatGPT in this manner, students gain a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and are better equipped to leverage its potential in their future careers.

The success experienced by professors like Bourjaily has sparked encouragement for others to explore the use of assistive AI and other emerging technologies in the classroom. By embracing these tools, educators have the opportunity to promote student success by introducing new and innovative approaches to learning.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for professors to remain adaptable and open to incorporating cutting-edge technologies. By doing so, they not only enhance the learning experiences of their students but also equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for success in an increasingly AI-driven world.