EFFECTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON STUDENT ATTITUDES TOWARD AI IN FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING APPROACH

Abstract

This study examines the effects of transformational educational leadership on students’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in formative assessment using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. As AI tools such as automated feedback systems and intelligent tutoring platforms become integral to education, their success depends on student acceptance and engagement. Drawing on transformational leadership theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research explores how leadership behaviors influence trust in AI, perceived usefulness, and behavioral intention to use AI-supported feedback. Data were collected from 412 secondary and higher education students through a validated survey instrument. SEM results revealed that transformational leadership significantly and positively affects students’ attitudes toward AI, both directly and indirectly, through the mediating effects of trust and perceived usefulness. The structural model demonstrated strong explanatory power (R² = 0.61) and satisfactory fit indices. Findings underscore the pivotal role of transformational leadership in fostering student trust, motivation, and openness toward AI-driven learning innovations. This study contributes to educational leadership and technology integration literature by highlighting leadership’s role in creating ethical, learner-centered, and sustainable AI adoption environments.