Effectiveness of AI-Integrated Microteaching and Simulated Classrooms in Enhancing Engagement and Motivation Skills among Teacher Trainees

Abstract

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence and simulation technologies has opened transformative possibilities for teacher education. Despite these advancements, developing the capacity of teacher trainees to engage and motivate learners effectively during classroom instruction remains a persistent pedagogical concern. This study investigated the effectiveness of AI-integrated microteaching and simulated classroom environments in enhancing pedagogical engagement skills and motivation skills among teacher trainees — operationally defined as the measurable competencies to stimulate active learner participation and sustain intrinsic motivation during instructional delivery. A Descriptive Survey Research Design was employed. Using purposive sampling, 100 B.Ed. teacher trainees from a recognized teacher education institution in Jammu constituted the study sample. Data were collected using a validated Student Engagement and Motivation Skill Observation Checklist and a structured 30-item Likert-scale questionnaire spanning three dimensions, with established reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.87 and 0.84 respectively). Mean and Standard Deviation were computed to determine the extent and consistency of perceived effectiveness of AI-integrated microteaching across the sample, while percentage analysis was used to capture the distribution of trainee responses. Results indicated that 82% of trainees rated AI-integrated microteaching as highly effective in building engagement skills; the high Mean (4.21) confirmed strong overall perceived effectiveness, while the low SD (0.43) reflected a high degree of agreement among trainees. Similarly, 78% reported substantial enhancement in motivation skills through simulated classroom environments (Mean = 4.08, SD = 0.51), indicating consistently positive perceptions with minimal variation. The study recommends systematic incorporation of AI-integrated pedagogical tools within teacher education curricula to strengthen professional teaching competencies