Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies

Xuerong Peng

doi:10.17478/jegys.1915711

Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly reshaping language education and teacher education. However, limited attention has been given to how empirical studies investigate pre-service teachers’ engagement with GenAI. This study aims to synthesize empirical research on the characteristics, pedagogical uses, and major themes of GenAI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education. Following PRISMA guidelines, database searches in ERIC, Web of Science, and Scopus yielded 20 empirical studies published between 2022 and March 2026. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, inductive content analysis, and thematic analysis. Inter-reviewer procedures and coding validation steps were applied to enhance analytical consistency. The findings show that research in this area is still emerging, with most studies conducted in Asia and relying on qualitative approaches. Large language models, particularly ChatGPT, dominated the studies and were mainly used for instructional preparation, language and academic learning, professional competence development, and reflective practice. Three major themes emerged: teacher cognition and acceptance, pedagogical integration, and professional development, alongside challenges related to reliability, overreliance, ethics, and AI literacy. The findings suggest that GenAI is actively shaping pre-service language teacher education across cognitive, pedagogical, and developmental domains. They also highlight the need for more diverse GenAI tools and multimodal applications in future research, as well as greater support for critical and responsible AI integration in teacher education practice.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Ethics committee approval was not required for this study

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Other Fields of Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Xuerong Peng ^*
South Korea

Early Pub Date

June 11, 2026

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

March 25, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 5, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 14 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.1915711

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA49JU47NL

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Peng, X. (2026). Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 14(2), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.1915711

AMA

1.Peng X. Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies. JEGYS. 2026;14(2):75-89. doi:10.17478/jegys.1915711

Chicago

Peng, Xuerong. 2026. “Generative AI in Pre-Service EFL ESL Teacher Education: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies”. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists 14 (2): 75-89. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.1915711.

EndNote

Peng X (June 1, 2026) Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists 14 2 75–89.

IEEE

[1]X. Peng, “Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies”, JEGYS, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 75–89, June 2026, doi: 10.17478/jegys.1915711.

ISNAD

Peng, Xuerong. “Generative AI in Pre-Service EFL ESL Teacher Education: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies”. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists 14/2 (June 1, 2026): 75-89. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.1915711.

JAMA

1.Peng X. Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies. JEGYS. 2026;14:75–89.

MLA

Peng, Xuerong. “Generative AI in Pre-Service EFL ESL Teacher Education: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies”. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, vol. 14, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 75-89, doi:10.17478/jegys.1915711.

Vancouver

1.Xuerong Peng. Generative AI in pre-service EFL/ESL teacher education: A systematic review of empirical studies. JEGYS. 2026 Jun. 1;14(2):75-89. doi:10.17478/jegys.1915711