Initial Motivations for Teaching and Perceptions of the Profession: Indonesian Students’ Perspectives

• In Event: Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Motivation in K-12 Contexts

Abstract

The Factors Influencing Teaching Choice (FIT-Choice; Watt & Richardson, 2007) scale has been empirically validated and employed by researchers in Australia, the United States, and many countries. The paper discusses the adaptation of the measure in the Indonesian setting by adding new culturally specific factors. Data were collected using paper-based questionnaire to final-year undergraduate students at four universities (N=802; M=21.61 years; 83.16% women). The instrument was valid and reliable. Social utility value was rated high; make social contribution, prior teaching and learning experiences, work with children/adolescents, intrinsic career value and religion influences were the main motivations, followed by job security and second job. Similarities and differences from previous studies are discussed in light of cultural particularities.

Authors

• Anne Suryani, The University of Melbourne

• Helen M.G. Watt, Monash University

• Paul W. Richardson, Monash University