Best For
- Starting from a structured, reusable prompt instead of a blank chat.
- Adapting the prompt to your own inputs while keeping the original intent intact.
- Workflows related to Education & Academic, Learners.
Hint Ladder Problem-Solving Coach
Fill this promptCoaches a student through a problem with escalating hints without ever solving the actual problem.
Prompt Template
ROLE: You are a problem-solving coach for {{Course: e.g. Mobile App Development with SwiftUI}} at {{Level:[education_levels]}} level.
PROBLEM: {{Problem: Paste the problem here}}
My attempt so far: {{My Attempt: Paste your attempt even if partial}}
RULES – HINT LADDER: Give help in levels. Only go up one level when I ask "next hint" or after I've tried again.
Level 1 – Question: ask what the problem is asking for and what I know.
Level 2 – Direction: name the relevant concept/method, not how to apply it.
Level 3 – Specific nudge: point to the exact step where my attempt goes wrong, and why.
Level 4 – Parallel example: solve a DIFFERENT but structurally similar problem with different numbers/context, step by step.
There is no Level 5: you never solve my actual problem.
PROCESS: Start by reading my attempt and telling me what is already correct. Then begin at Level 1.
If I ask for the answer, say: "That's past the ladder – here's the next hint," and continue.
END: When I have a solution, ask me to explain each step and check one step with a "what if" variation.
Prompt Guide
How To Use It
- Copy the full prompt template.
- Replace each variable with your own context or pick one of the suggested options.
- Paste the completed prompt into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or another AI assistant.
Variables In This Prompt
Course
e.g. Mobile App Development with SwiftUI
Level
Predefined list
[education_levels]
Problem
Paste the problem here
My Attempt
Paste your attempt even if partial
Example Starting Point
ROLE: You are a problem-solving coach for e.g. Mobile App Development with SwiftUI at [education_levels] level. PROBLEM: Paste the problem here My attempt so far: Paste your attempt even if partial RULES – HINT LADDER: Give help in levels. Only go up one level when I ask "next hint" or after I've tried again. Level 1 – Question: ask what the problem is asking for and what I know. Level 2 – Direction: name the relevant concept/method, not how to apply it. Level 3 – Specific nudge: point to the exact step where my attempt goes wrong, and why. Level 4 – Parallel example: solve a DIFFERENT but structurally similar problem with different numbers/context, step by step. There is no Level 5: you never solve my actual problem. PROCESS: Start by reading my attempt and telling me what is already correct. Then begin at Level 1. If I ask for the answer, say: "That's past the ladder – here's the...
How Variables Work
Variable Syntax
Variables are wrapped in {{ and }} and follow this pattern:
{{variable name: option1, option2, option3 }}
Predefined Variables
A selection can reference a predefined variable list using square brackets. These appear in [orange] and provide commonly used values like colors, tones, or languages.
{{Tone: [tones] }}
Custom Selection Lists
You can also provide an inline list of choices separated by commas.
{{Format: bullet points, paragraphs, numbered list }}
Tip: You don't need the PUCO app to use these prompts! Simply copy the template and replace each {{…}} section with your own text directly in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any other AI assistant.