How Claude Thinks
Build the right mental model. Claude is a reasoning engine that processes language, follows instructions, and generates responses based on patterns. Once people see that clearly, everything else in the program clicks.
60 minutes
All roles
Learning Objectives
- Understand the five task categories: Generation, Analysis, Transformation, Extraction, Reasoning
- See the dramatic quality difference between vague and structured prompts
- Experience Claude solving a real math problem step by step
- Categorize their own work tasks by type
Session Timing
| Segment | Activity | Time |
|---|---|---|
Opening | Hands-up survey, five task categories introduction | 10 min |
Demo | Same question asked three ways — from search query to structured prompt | 15 min |
Exercise | Pairs sort 20 workplace tasks into the five categories | 20 min |
Demo | One task from each category in two minutes — ending with break-even math | 10 min |
Debrief | Discussion: which category saves you the most time? | 5 min |
Demo Data
Download before the session. Run every prompt yourself first so nothing surprises you at the projector.
three-versions-same-question.md
Three prompts with expected outputs and teaching notes
task-categories-exercise.md
20 workplace tasks with answer key
sample-interview-transcript.txt
Interview with Maria Flores, Greenfield Manufacturing
sample-contract-excerpt.txt
Master Services Agreement with dollar amounts
break-even-data.md
Aluminum bracket scenario with all figures