Master Colloquium Ruichen Zhong (EST) - The Relationship Between Prompt Engineering Skills and Asian Students’ Perceived Language Barriers and Information-Seeking Quality in Western Higher Education

Speaker        

:

Ruichen Zhong

Title

:

The Relationship Between Prompt Engineering Skills and Asian Students’ Perceived Language Barriers and Information-Seeking Quality in Western Higher Education

Abstract

:

International Asian students frequently encounter language barriers and information-seeking challenges in Western higher education. With the growing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), understanding how these tools can alleviate these issues becomes essential. This study explores how prompt engineering skills, or students' ability to craft effective prompts, influence the relationship between GenAI use and the language barriers and information-seeking quality.

Surveying 104 Asian university students, the research found that merely using GenAI frequently does not directly improve language barriers or information-seeking quality. However, students proficient in prompt engineering reported significantly better outcomes, suggesting that the effectiveness of GenAI largely depends on interaction quality rather than usage frequency alone.

These results highlight the value of targeted prompt engineering training for international students. Universities should consider incorporating structured prompt engineering into academic support programs to enhance the academic adaptation and success of international students.

Date

:

July 1, 2025

Time

:

14:00 hrs.

Building/Room

:

HalB 2E

Graduation     Committee    

:

dr. Mohammadreza Farrokhnia

dr. Chandan Dasgupta