Exploring Undergraduates’ Perspectives on Pursuing a Career in Teaching: A Study in the Bangladesh Context

Abstract

This study focused on how undergraduate students in Bangladesh view the teaching profession as a career path. A total of 423 undergraduate students participated in the study who shared their thoughts on what factors influence their decision to either choose or not to choose teaching as a career. From their responses, four factors were identified that attract students to pursue a career in teaching and four factors that deter them from it. The findings of the study revealed that extrinsic motivations have limited impact when students consider pursuing a career in teaching. Instead, intrinsic and altruistic motivations, such as personal fulfillment and a genuine passion for education, hold more weight in the decision-making process. Male and female students have similar motivations in selecting a teaching career. However, those who showed no interest to pursue a career in teaching responded that it’s because of the external factors such as lower salary, better career opportunities in other occupations. Moreover, there are statistically significant difference between male and female students in terms of external factors influencing their decision not to pursue a career in teaching. Understanding these factors can help stakeholders make informed decisions about encouraging more students to consider teaching profession as a viable career option, ensuring a diverse and qualified group of future educators.

Keywords: Undergraduate students, teaching profession, motivational factors, gender differences

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-34-03

Publication date: December 31^st 2023