EFFECT OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS TEACHING PROFESSION

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effect of teacher education programs on Prospective teachers’ attitude towards the teaching profession. For this purpose, a sample of six hundred and five (605) prospective teachers including both males and females from university of Panjab, Lahore, GCETs KotLakhpat, University of Management & Technology, university of Education and Minhaj University were selected through convenience sampling Technique at Lahore district. To procure the attitude of prospective teachers FIT-Choice Scale developed by Watt and Richeredson (2007) was borrowed. FIT-Choice Scale consisted of nine factors: Ability, Intrinsic Career value, Bludging, Make Social Contribution, Prior Teaching and Learning Experience, Social Influences, Good Salary, Social Status and High Demand. The scale was manipulated in accordance to the demand of the research and Pakistani context. An independent sample t-test was computed to examine the effect of teacher education programs on attitude of prospective teachers at entrance and exit stage of programs. Furthermore, ANOVA test was applied to compute the effect of teacher education programs on the attitude of prospective teachers on the basis of gender, program and institute.  Data analysis revealed that the effect of teacher education programs on female respondents was more positive as compared to male respondents. Moreover, the B.Ed program was found to be more effective than the M.Ed (Hons) and MA Education program. Whilst GCETs collage of KotLakhpat had a significant difference in attitude as compared to other institutes.  It was suggested to provide better opportunities like allowance, scholarship, incentives and facilities to attract prospective teachers. It may help to enhance the demand of teaching profession. In future studies effect of teacher education program can be examine on private and public institutes. Moreover, in future studies level of attitude and motivational level for teachers’ commitment can be investigate.