Evaluating Teachers’ Readiness and Perceptions of Augmented Reality in STEM Education: Considerations for Sustainable Teaching Practices
Augmented reality (AR) may support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching, but continued use depends on teachers’ readiness and implementation conditions. This mixed-methods, single-group pre-test/post-test study examined changes in perceived competence and views following an eight-week professional development program involving 23 volunteer secondary-school teachers of science, physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer education. Data sources were a 35-item questionnaire, semi-structured interviews analyzed thematically, and teacher-developed materials. Mean perceived competence increased from 2.38 (SD = 1.15) to 4.21 (SD = 0.77), t(22) = 7.57, p < 0.001, Cohen’s dz = 1.58. Participants reported benefits for visualizing abstract concepts, comprehension, lesson efficiency, motivation, and interactive material design. Reported barriers included internet and power interruptions, paid applications, unequal access to resources, and additional time demands. All 23 participants intended to use AR, and 18 believed they could train colleagues. The materials demonstrated practical engagement during the program. The findings indicate short-term implementation readiness and perceived feasibility, not sustained classroom use or causal effectiveness. Longitudinal follow-up, classroom observation, comparison groups, and student-outcome evidence are needed to assess continued implementation.