Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Advanced Research in Education
Year: 2025
[PDF]
Supporting Graduate Teacher Job Application Readiness Through AI Simulation
Allison Byth, Assoc.Prof. Jo Blannin
ABSTRACT:
In Australia, many graduating teachers report feeling underprepared for the job application process, including writing applications, preparing statements, and navigating interviews. This study explored how the Authentic Teaching and Learning through Adaptive Simulations (ATLAS) platform could help bridge this preparation gap. ATLAS, an AI-driven simulated environment, allowed pre-service teachers to engage in realistic job interview scenarios to articulate their teaching philosophy, classroom experiences, and pedagogical knowledge as preparation for real interviews. The study used a structured behavioural interview model aligned with key selection criteria. Pre-service teachers interacted with an AI persona simulating authentic interview interactions. Following each simulation, ATLAS generated verbatim transcripts and mentor feedback based on assessment rubrics and interpersonal communication benchmarks. Preservice teachers then completed a reflective task to evaluate the content, structure, and effectiveness of their responses in demonstrating teaching competencies. Survey data and course evaluations indicated that the simulations were perceived as both challenging and supportive, increasing confidence and a greater sense of preparedness for real-world interviews. While most preservice teachers saw value in the adaptive simulation, some reported discomfort interacting with an AI persona. By scaffolding critical interview skills and encouraging reflective practice, ATLAS served as a valuable bridge between university learning and professional practice. This study adds to a growing body of literature on the positive applications of AI in education, highlighting AI-supported simulation as a low-risk, high-feedback tool for developing essential interviewing skills in preservice teachers.
Keywords: Pre-service teachers; Job application readiness; AI simulation; Interview preparation; ATLAS