Research Article

ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load

Volume: 19 Number: 4 October 29, 2026
EN TR

ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into education, its implications for teacher candidates’ cognitive processes warrant closer attention. This mixed-methods study examined the use of ChatGPT during lesson planning in the teaching practicum, focusing on perceived cognitive load, patterns of material use, and teacher candidates’ experiences. Twenty-four fourth-year teacher candidates participated in a six-week implementation in which they used ChatGPT to prepare lesson plans and instructional activities. Quantitative data were collected using a cognitive load rating scale, and qualitative data were obtained from weekly reflective narratives. Perceived cognitive load decreased significantly following the six-week implementation. Participants were also more likely to use ChatGPT-generated activities directly than activities obtained from Internet sources. Qualitative findings indicated that ChatGPT supported idea generation, access to instructional content, lesson-plan development, and time efficiency, while participants also reported limitations such as insufficient or repetitive content, misalignment with learning objectives, and system-related problems. Overall, ChatGPT may support lesson planning when its outputs are critically evaluated and adapted to pedagogical needs.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

none

Ethical Statement

The research strictly adhered to scientific and ethical standards throughout its execution, obtaining ethical clearance from the University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Board, as evidenced by decision number 2023-16 on April 20, 2023

Thanks

none

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Instructional Technologies, Specialist Studies in Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 29, 2026

Submission Date

November 18, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 19 Number: 4

APA
Üzümcü, Ö., Hakkoymaz, S., Sıvacı, S., & Özcan, M. (2026). ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load. Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences, 19(4), 739-755. https://doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.1825933
AMA
1.Üzümcü Ö, Hakkoymaz S, Sıvacı S, Özcan M. ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load. Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences. 2026;19(4):739-755. doi:10.30831/akukeg.1825933
Chicago
Üzümcü, Özlem, Sakine Hakkoymaz, Seda Sıvacı, and Mihriban Özcan. 2026. “ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load”. Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences 19 (4): 739-55. https://doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.1825933.
EndNote
Üzümcü Ö, Hakkoymaz S, Sıvacı S, Özcan M (October 1, 2026) ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load. Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences 19 4 739–755.
IEEE
[1]Ö. Üzümcü, S. Hakkoymaz, S. Sıvacı, and M. Özcan, “ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load”, Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 739–755, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.30831/akukeg.1825933.
ISNAD
Üzümcü, Özlem - Hakkoymaz, Sakine - Sıvacı, Seda - Özcan, Mihriban. “ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load”. Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences 19/4 (October 1, 2026): 739-755. https://doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.1825933.
JAMA
1.Üzümcü Ö, Hakkoymaz S, Sıvacı S, Özcan M. ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load. Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences. 2026;19:739–755.
MLA
Üzümcü, Özlem, et al. “ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load”. Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences, vol. 19, no. 4, Oct. 2026, pp. 739-55, doi:10.30831/akukeg.1825933.
Vancouver
1.Özlem Üzümcü, Sakine Hakkoymaz, Seda Sıvacı, Mihriban Özcan. ChatGPT in Teacher Education: Reducing Pre-Service Teachers’ Cognitive Load. Journal of Theoretical Educational Sciences. 2026 Oct. 1;19(4):739-55. doi:10.30831/akukeg.1825933