Motivations of pre-service teachers in the colleges of education in Ghana for choosing teaching as a career
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract
This study investigated the motives of pre-service teachers for choosing
teaching as a career from one college of education in Ghana. Employing descriptive
survey design, the study randomly invited 300 pre-service teachers to participate in
the study. Findings from the study showed that pre-service teachers chose teaching
as a profession due to their desire to shape the future of children and adolescents,
prior teaching and learning experiences, to enhance social equity and perceived
teaching ability. The study further showed that female pre-service teachers rated job
security, time for family, shape future of children and adolescents, and work with
children and adolescents significantly higher than males. Also, pre-service teachers
who reside in rural areas rated perceived teaching ability and intrinsic career value
significantly higher than those who reside in urban areas. It is recommended that
authorities at the colleges of education need to attend to excellence in teacher
education and optimize support structures to promote and sustain preservice teachers’ positive teaching motivations and behaviours.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
preservice teachers, teacher motives, teaching, career choice, motivation