An Analysis of the Reasons for Choosing the Teaching Profession and Life Satisfaction of Education Faculty Students against Some Variables

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate education faculty freshmen's life satisfaction and reasons for selecting the teaching profession in relation with certain variables. It was carried out as a quantitative research in survey model. The study group consists of 407 freshmen attending education faculty in a Turkish state university during the 2016-2017 academic year. It was investigated whether preservice teachers' reasons for choosing teaching profession vary by gender, major, high school type, parental education level, and parental income level. In addition, the participants' profiles and general life satisfaction levels were researched. It was found out that gender, socioeconomic level, parental educational status, or type of high school graduated do not have a significant effect on their preference for choosing teaching. On the other hand, a significant relevance was found between the reasons for choosing the profession and program of study. As a result of the study, interesting results were obtained about profiles of teacher candidates. Most of the participants have families with low and middle socioeconomic status, 83% of the mothers are housewives, and the fathers are mostly retired, self-employed, tradesmen and workers. Besides, it was found out that the candidate teachers have life satisfaction levels above average. Also a moderate positive relationship was found between the sub dimension consciousness as a reason for choosing the profession and life satisfaction. Finally, the study results were discussed in reference to the literature and recommendations were presented.

Key Words: Teaching Profession, Preservice Teacher, Education Faculty