Project instructions: where I keep recurring rules
If I keep repeating the same guidance to Claude, I check whether it belongs in the project instructions. The real question is where it should live: in your prompt, in Project Instructions, or in a knowledge-base file?
I use project instructions for recurring context and preferences, and separate files for detailed methodology. Clear organization makes the guidance easier to maintain; it does not guarantee that the model will follow every instruction.
What belongs in Project Instructions
- Role & context — who you are and who you teach
- Tone & interaction style — pushback, register, brevity defaults
- Format preferences — output structure for plans vs. regular chat
- Core operating principles — universal "always do X / never do Y"
What to keep out
- Detailed methodology (put it in files)
- Task-specific instructions
- Information about multiple students in one Project
My working guideline
For a starting version, I aim for about 15 short rules or 400–500 words. This is my editing guideline, not a product limit or a proven threshold. I check the output and revise the instructions when they are unclear, conflicting, or incomplete.
You are helping me teach English to Maria — a B1+ adult learner, Russian L1, architect by profession. Incorporate professional architectural and construction vocabulary whenever it fits naturally. Current focus: past-simple narratives and article usage.
Core rules:
- Respond in a direct, professional tone. Push back on weak ideas.
- Prioritize natural, conversational English with contractions.
- Present unfamiliar language with clear examples before requiring the learner to use it. An initial recall attempt should use language already introduced.
- Verify all example sentences and TTS audio for naturalness and correct pronunciation.
- When in doubt about carry-over or difficulty — ask me first.
I keep detailed teaching principles, vocabulary trackers, and session logs in separate reference files. The task prompt identifies which context is needed for the current work.
This arrangement reduces repetition in my prompts. I still review the instructions as the teaching context and tools change.