Investigating Preservice STEM Teachers’ AI Literacy and Self-Efficacy Beliefs: Are They Ready for AI?

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into education, preservice science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers must develop both AI literacy and self-efficacy to effectively incorporate AI tools into instruction. This study examined the cognitive and affective orientations of 180 Turkish preservice STEM teachers toward AI, specifically AI literacy, self-efficacy, interest, and attitudes, and identified predictors of AI self-efficacy. Using a performance-based AI literacy test and validated scales, data was analyzed through Rasch modeling and hierarchical regression analysis. While participants demonstrated moderate AI literacy and self-efficacy, the regression results revealed that AI use frequency, interest in AI, and attitudes toward AI significantly predicted AI self-efficacy, whereas demographic, academic, and cognitive factors did not. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering interest and positive attitudes, alongside hands-on experiences with AI tools, in enhancing preservice teachers’ confidence to use AI. The study underscores the need for teacher education programs to integrate both conceptual knowledge and experiential learning opportunities about AI by providing preservice teachers with practical and meaningful activities to explore AI-based tools and applications within their required coursework.