Changes in Preservice Teachers' Motivation Throughout a Teacher Preparation Program

• In Event: 66.059 - Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: 66.059-5 - Poster Session 1: Motivational Processes

Abstract

Using Watt and Richardson’s (2007) FIT-Choice model and scale, the present study examined the motivations pre-service teachers possess as they progress though a teacher education program. The following research questions set the foundation for this study: (a) Do pre-service teachers’ motivation to pursue a teaching career change over the course of a teacher education program, and (b) Is there a relationship between pre-service teachers’ values and their satisfaction with their choice to pursue a teaching career? Quantitative results indicate significant drops in motivation from pre-service teachers’ freshman/sophomore year to pre-service teachers’ graduate year. However, intrinsic career value, social utility value, planned persistence in career were positive predictors for satisfaction with career choice, whereas fallback career was a negative predictor.

Authors

• Benjamin M Torsney, University College Dublin

• Doug Lombardi, University of Maryland - College Park

• Annette Ponnock, University of Maryland - College Park