The Mediating Effects of Artificial and Ethical Intelligence on the Relationship Between Pedagogical Competence and Preservice Teachers' Performance

Behind every effective preservice teacher is a blend of competence, technology, and ethical insight. This study investigated the mediating effects of emerging technology and ethical intelligence on the relationship between pedagogical competence and preservice teachers’ performance. Using a cross-sectional predictive correlational research design with mediation analysis, the study involved 231 fourth-year preservice teachers from Region X who participated in the 2024 PAFTE ASTER 10 Conference. Validated instruments measured pedagogical competence, use of emerging technology, ethical intelligence, and teaching performance. Data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed in Jamovi, using statistical tools including the mean, standard deviation, Pearson product-moment correlation, and generalized linear model (GLM) mediation analysis. Results revealed that preservice teachers exhibited high levels of pedagogical competence, technology use, and ethical intelligence, particularly in empathetic engagement and professional integrity. Their performance was rated satisfactory in lesson planning, adaptive teaching, professional development, and collaboration. Significant correlations were found between pedagogical competence and performance, as well as between technology use and performance. Ethical intelligence also showed a meaningful relationship with performance. GLM mediation analysis showed that emerging technology partially mediated the relationship between pedagogical competence and performance. Although ethical intelligence was positively related to both pedagogical competence and technology use, it did not significantly mediate the direct relationship with performance. However, its indirect effect, in combination with technology, strengthened this relationship. Pedagogical competence significantly influences preservice teachers’ performance, and emerging technology further enhances this effect. Teacher education programs should intensify pedagogy training, integrate technology, and enrich ethical learning to improve professional readiness.