Research Article

An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*

Volume: 55 Number: 1 April 30, 2026
EN TR

An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*

Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to explore how primary school teachers and prospective classroom teachers conceptualize ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-based chatbot, through metaphors. The study sample includes 67 primary school teachers and 112 pre-service teachers. To uncover their metaphorical perceptions of ChatGPT, participants were asked to complete the prompt, “ChatGPT is like … because …”, thereby generating a metaphor and a rationale for it. The responses were analyzed using content analysis approach. The findings indicate that both groups primarily perceive ChatGPT as a source of information and a supportive educational tool. Nevertheless, some participants highlighted potential drawbacks of ChatGPT, such as overreliance or its limitations in promoting deep thinking. Interestingly, while pre-service teachers tended to emphasize ChatGPT’s guiding capabilities and role in fostering creativity, in-service teachers focused on its limitations and possible negative effects. This study contributes to the field by shedding light on how future and current educators understand and evaluate AI tools like ChatGPT. These insights can support the development of training programs aimed at improving teachers’ and teacher candidates’ awareness, readiness, and competencies related to the educational use of artificial intelligence technologies.

Keywords

References

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  6. Baidoo-Anu, D., & Owusu Ansah, L. (2023). Education in the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI): Understanding the potential benefits of ChatGPT in promoting teaching and learning. Journal of AI, 7(1), 52–62. https://doi.org/10.61969/jai.1337500
  7. Balıkçı, H. C., Alpsülün, M., & Hayoğlu, G. (2024). Determination of teachers’ perceptions of artificial intelligence concept: A metaphor analysis. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 14(Special Issue-AI in Education), 179–193. https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.1433360
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Classroom Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 30, 2026

Submission Date

April 7, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 19, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 55 Number: 1

APA
Varlı, S., Çalışır, M., Sellüm, F. S., & Bektaş, M. (2026). An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 55(1), 218-249. https://doi.org/10.14812/cuefd.1671001
AMA
1.Varlı S, Çalışır M, Sellüm FS, Bektaş M. An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;55(1):218-249. doi:10.14812/cuefd.1671001
Chicago
Varlı, Samet, Musa Çalışır, Fatih Selim Sellüm, and Mustafa Bektaş. 2026. “An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55 (1): 218-49. https://doi.org/10.14812/cuefd.1671001.
EndNote
Varlı S, Çalışır M, Sellüm FS, Bektaş M (April 1, 2026) An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55 1 218–249.
IEEE
[1]S. Varlı, M. Çalışır, F. S. Sellüm, and M. Bektaş, “An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*”, Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 218–249, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.14812/cuefd.1671001.
ISNAD
Varlı, Samet - Çalışır, Musa - Sellüm, Fatih Selim - Bektaş, Mustafa. “An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 55/1 (April 1, 2026): 218-249. https://doi.org/10.14812/cuefd.1671001.
JAMA
1.Varlı S, Çalışır M, Sellüm FS, Bektaş M. An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;55:218–249.
MLA
Varlı, Samet, et al. “An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 55, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 218-49, doi:10.14812/cuefd.1671001.
Vancouver
1.Samet Varlı, Musa Çalışır, Fatih Selim Sellüm, Mustafa Bektaş. An Investigation of Classroom Teachers’ and Preservice Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of ChatGPT*. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026 Apr. 1;55(1):218-49. doi:10.14812/cuefd.1671001

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