Teachers artificial intelligence use and flexible thinking skills: Evidence from a predictive correlational study

This study investigates the relationship between teachers’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their flexible thinking skills within learning processes, addressing a critical gap in the literature where limited research has examined this connection in the context of teacher education. A predictive correlational research design was employed to determine the direction and strength of the relationships between variables and to identify predictors of flexible thinking. The study population consisted of teachers working in public and private institutions across Türkiye, with a convenience sample of 195 teachers included in the final analysis. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Teacher Perception Scale on the Use of AI in Education, and the Flexible Thinking in Learning Scale. The findings indicated that teachers generally demonstrated moderate to high levels of perception regarding AI use and flexible thinking. Significant differences emerged among teachers who had received AI-related training, as they exhibited higher levels of cognitive flexibility and openness to learning technologies. Regression analyses further revealed that AI use significantly predicted flexible thinking, although the predictive power was modest. This study contributes uniquely to the field by demonstrating a positive association between AI use and flexible thinking in teacher education—a relationship that has been scarcely addressed in prior research. The results underscore the importance of integrating AI-focused training programs into teacher professional development to foster adaptability and innovative pedagogical approaches. Practical recommendations are provided for policymakers, teacher education institutions, and practitioners to strengthen the role of AI in enhancing teachers’ flexible thinking skills.