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Artificial Intelligence in Primary Education: Teacher Perceptions, Instructional Decisions, and Integration Challenges in Urban Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Thivyasiny Saravanan

    (Faculty of Education and Humanities, UNITAR International University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia)

  • Nurul Aisyah Kamrozzaman

    (Faculty of Education and Humanities, UNITAR International University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia)

Abstract

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) is recognized globally for its potential to transform education, empirical research on its adoption in primary schools within developing nations like Malaysia remains scarce. This study investigates the impact of AI on teaching effectiveness and instructional decision-making among primary school teachers in urban Malaysia, addressing this critical gap. Employing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative and qualitative data were collected via an online survey comprising Likert-scale and open-ended questions from 60 teachers in Klang district. The findings reveal strongly positive teacher perceptions, with a overwhelming majority (96.7%) reporting the use of AI tools. Participants recognized AI's significant utility, particularly in understanding students' learning needs (M=1.97), enhancing teaching quality, and enabling data-driven decisions. However, the study identifies a critical implementation gap, highlighting key challenges such as insufficient professional training, inadequate institutional support, and persistent technical infrastructure limitations. These findings underscore a disparity between AI's perceived potential and its practical application. The study advocates for a coordinated strategy focusing on TPACK-based professional development, robust infrastructure, and supportive policy to bridge this implementation gap. By addressing the lived experiences of educators, this research provides valuable evidence-based insights for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers to design effective and sustainable AI integration strategies in the Malaysian context.

Suggested Citation

  • Thivyasiny Saravanan & Nurul Aisyah Kamrozzaman, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence in Primary Education: Teacher Perceptions, Instructional Decisions, and Integration Challenges in Urban Malaysia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 9393-9406, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:9393-9406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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