Book Reviews

The present study explored the relationships of preservice teachers’ levels of commitment to teaching and their beliefs and perceptions of teaching as a career. Participants were undergraduate students enrolled in a teacher education program at a major university in the southeast. Sixty‐seven preservice teachers completed a survey in which they rated the importance of 20 factors for influencing their choice of career. Additionally, among the survey respondents, nine students were selected from three groups of preservice teachers for in‐depth interviews: (1) students who were currently considering teaching as a career choice, (2) students who were undecided about their future teaching career, and (3) students who were no longer considering teaching as a career. Overall, findings from this study revealed that preservice teachers’ understanding of their goal of becoming teachers and interpretations of their motivation for teaching were unique, yet the types of influences on their career choices were similar across participants’ stories.     

Teaching as a career: a perspective from Hong Kong senior secondary students

This study examined the views of teaching as a career choice held by Hong Kong students in their final year of upper secondary school (Secondary Seven). Significant differences were found between students' interest in teaching and demographic characteristics such as gender, religious beliefs, household income and parents' education levels, as well as their public examination scores and streams of study. Three attractive and three deterrent factors were identified among the reasons influencing students' choice of teaching as a career, respectively. Among 20 listed occupations, teaching was ranked relatively high by the students both as the occupation they ‘most wanted’ and ‘most respected’. The paper discusses the implications of these findings and draws conclusions which may be helpful to teacher education providers and policy makers on measures to recruit prospective students to initial teacher education.     

海外本土化汉语教师的教学动机实证研究

文章对来昆明参加国家汉办汉语文化短训班的53位泰国和韩国汉语教师进行了问卷调查。当被问及在汉语教学工作中最重要的因素时,他们将重点放在了与汉语教学直接相关的价值与教学目标这两方面。当谈到对待现有工作的态度以及从工作中获得的奖励时,他们强调了工作给予的内在收获,而不是外在的奖励。关于工作价值题项的因子分析表明,有五种明确的基本需求及需要动机：关系,外部,自我实现,自主性和组织机构支持等动机。对工作奖励题项也进行了因子分析,出现了以下七种因子,这些因子与工作价值因子有部分重叠,即职业地位,关系/内部奖励,外部奖励,工作/事业满意度,名誉,得当的管理与自尊奖励等动机。根据以上数据,文章认为,就工作与事业的满意度而言,比起教师现正从事的具体工作,他们会对其职业的选择感到更加满意。     

Choosing teaching as a career: perspectives of male and female Malaysian student teachers in training

This paper is motivated by concern about the decline in the numbers of males entering the teaching profession in Malaysia. It seeks to explore first year student teachers’ views of teaching as a career choice and to determine the factors that influenced their decision to enter the teaching profession. A total of 425 student teachers completed a questionnaire in which they were asked to rate factors that influenced their decision to become teachers following which a comparison by gender was made. The findings of the study reveal that male and female student teachers have similar motives in selecting teaching as a career. Generally, both groups emphasise altruistic and extrinsic factors. This paper discusses the findings in relation to wider issues concerning gender, and draws conclusions which may be helpful to policy-makers and institutions in the recruitment of students into pre-service teacher training.     

The impact of ‘bursary tourism’ or the desire for a ‘fulfilling,challenging, and emotionally rewarding career’? Career entry motivations and perceptions of preservice teachers from England

Why teachers choose their career has been a popular topic of research in many contexts since the introduction of the FIT-Choice framework by Watt and Richardson in 2007 to study teacher motivations. Although altruistic motivations have been identified as the common driving factor behind preservice teachers' (PSTs') decision to enter the field, there are other motivational factors—such as teaching being a career that fits well with family commitments, or choosing teacher education as a ‘fallback’ option—that are widely reported in different contexts. The introduction of incentives for student teachers in certain subjects has been subject to media criticism in England as promoting ‘bursary tourism’. This study investigates the career entry motivations and teaching perceptions of PSTs from a university that is one of the key teacher education providers in the country, using the FIT-Choice framework. The paper discusses the findings (N = 115), including validation of the FIT-Choice scale, collecting data on 12 motivations and six perceptions, along with preliminary findings. It was identified that intrinsic career values were the highest rated motivation, followed by altruistic values such as the desire to make a social contribution and being a part of shaping the future of children and adolescents. Perceived abilities were also rated higher, while personal utility values and task returns— including monetary rewards—were rated very low. While the participants agreed that the job is professionally and emotionally demanding, it was promising to note that they were highly satisfied with their career choice, implicitly indicating their intention to continue in the teaching profession. Gender differences, along with field of study and training pathway differences in motivations and teaching perceptions are also discussed, with practical implications.     

Principles for Analyzing and Communicating Student Ratings of Teaching

Students' rating of teaching is widely used by university administrators to manage and evaluate teaching in China today. However, it is worthwhile to discuss and rethink carefully how to use this tool. Fifty students majoring in seven-year clinical medicine were asked to rate the class teaching of an integrated course for which the teaching reform involved compressed total class hours. The rating choices were very good, good, medium, and bad. A routine, simple statistical analysis was performed. Most students approved the integrated course and rated it as good. Constructive suggestions on how to improve teaching quality in the class revealed a standard normal distribution. Some students displayed the phenomenon of "comment fatigue." Several ways to use students' rating of teaching most efficiently were recommended to improve class teaching quality.     

The relationship between high school students' perceptions of teaching as a career and selected background characteristics: Implications for attracting students of color to teaching

This study sought to determine: What influence do background characteristics of high school students have on their perceptions of teaching as a career choice? The independent variables, or background characteristics, were ethnicity, gender, the work status of parents, and grade level. Of particular interest was the extent to which African Americans were receptive to teaching as a career choice. The dependent variable of the study was students' perceptions of teaching as a career. Students perceptions were ascertained from their responses to an instrument administered to over 800 high school students. The inventory sought students' attitudes regarding: (a) the extent to which they valued teaching as a career; (b) the importance they assigned to teaching relative to other professions; (c) the influence of significant others in encouraging them to go into teaching; and (d) their desire to meet the prerequisites to becoming a teacher. Although the findings were in general those to be expected, some surprising ones were also observed.     

The effect of career counsellors on the decision to pursue higher education: a mixed‐methods investigation

The article examines the role of career counsellors in secondary education in Cyprus, with emphasis on their effect on students' career decisions. Survey research was used to collect information from 611 students and 36 career counsellors in Cyprus. Students were asked to rate the importance of several factors as influences on their career decisions. This allowed for the assessment of the importance of career counsellors relative to other influencing factors. In a separate survey, career counsellors provided information on their job satisfaction and their effectiveness in providing guidance and information to students. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. According to the findings, students consider counsellors to be of little or no importance as sources of guidance and information in the decision‐making process which precedes the choice between higher education and employment. Moreover, counsellors point to serious problems at the workplace which limit their effectiveness. The article discusses ways of addressing the problems faced by career counsellors and enhancing their role as significant reference individuals in further education and career decisions.     

The Job Performance of Nursing Graduates: A Program Evaluation

Abstract

The study was designed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the nursing education preparation of associate degree nursing graduates as reflected in their job performance. The predictive relationships of measures of scholastic success such as G.P.A. and State Board Examination Scores with graduate job performance were also investigated. A rating scale of 62 items was designed to measure the following dimensions of nursing performance: (a) planning for nursing care, (b) implementing nursing care, (c) interpersonal relationships and communication, (d) leadership and group procedures, (e) evaluating and reporting nursing care, (f) professional involvement, and (g) other. Sources for the rating scale included curriculum objectives and a field survey of performance criteria. Graduates were rated by a nurse and a physician who function in close supervision of their job. Graduates completed a similar rating scale in which they were asked to rate the adequacy of their educational preparation for various job requirements. Ratings were obtained from a sample of 153 graduates of the associate degree nursing program at Delta College, University Center, Michigan. Results indicated a stated need for additional clinical experience requiring total involvement of nursing students, advanced course work in pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, and planned leadership preparation. Findings demonstrated no significant relationship between various indices of G.P.A. and State Board Examination Scores with job rated performance. It is projected that rated job performance is influenced by a number of personality variables. Physicians perceive the performance of nurses from different perspectives than do supervising nurses.     

Student Grades and Rating of Teaching Quality

As part of a Faculty Review, students currently enrolled at the University were asked to rate the quality of the teaching they had previously experienced during their first year. About 900 students in four separate entry cohorts were involved, yielding a total of 28 separate ratings. These ratings were correlated with students’ examination grades. Between classes, there is an indication that rating of teaching is related to examination performance. Within classes, there is a positive and significant relationship between student grades and their rating of teaching only when the teaching is rated above average. The results are discussed.     

A three‐year prospective longitudinal cohort study of medical students' attitudes toward anatomy teaching and their career aspirations

Today's medical students are faced with numerous learning needs. Continuously developing curricula have reduced time for basic science subjects such as anatomy. This study aimed to determine the students' views on the relevance of anatomy teaching, anatomical knowledge, and the effect these have on their career choices. A Likert scale questionnaire was distributed to second year medical students [response rate 91% (n = 292/320)]. The same questionnaire was subsequently distributed to the cohort three years later when they were final year students [response rate 37% (n = 146/392)]. Students in both the cohorts of study agreed strongly that clinically correlated anatomical teaching was relevant to clinical practice (92% and 86% of second and final year respondents, respectively) and helped them during their clinical placements (73% and 92%, respectively). Only 28% of the second year and 31% of the final year students agreed that their anatomy teaching prepared them to interpret clinical images (P = 0.269). Only 14% of the final year students felt confident in their knowledge of anatomy. Of the final year students, 30% felt that they had enough opportunity to scrub in the operating room. Nearly half of those students who would consider surgery as a career (19%) think that they will eventually become surgeons (11%). This data suggests that modern anatomy curriculum should focus on clinical correlations and clinical image interpretation. Students would value more opportunities to participate in surgeries. Vertical integration of anatomy teaching throughout the full medical course may be useful. Anat Sci Educ. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.     

Suitable for Teaching? Applicants' Views on Selection for Initial Teacher Training

Selection for admission to initial teacher training is an interface between the teaching profession and those who aspire to join it. Well-managed selection can communicate a positive image of teaching as a career and can encourage applicants to maintain their interest in joining the profession. In an earlier report [4] issues in selection were considered from the standpoint of Scotland's seven colleges of education. This paper presents the views of applicants to the profession. Its principal focus is the views of candidates who did not subsequently enter on course because either they changed their minds or they were not offered places. To balance this, information gained from a smaller number of applicants who did enroll on a teaching course is also considered. Applicants' views on selection are obviously of importance in obtaining a rounded view of the strengths and weaknesses of current practice.     

Historically Black Colleges and University students' and faculties' views of school psychology: Implications for increasing diversity in higher education

This study investigates Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) students' and faculties' knowledge related to school psychology. A total of 165 students and 14 faculty members completed inventories that assessed the understanding and views of various psychological disciplines. Results indicated that HBCU students rated their perceived knowledge of school psychology significantly lower than all psychological disciplines. In addition, these students have significantly fewer sources of information for school psychology than comparable disciplines. Although more than 90% of students stated that they would attend graduate school, the majority was only somewhat interested in school psychology as a career choice. Furthermore, HBCU psychology faculty members stated that the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists do not actively recruit or provide information to their students. Results are discussed in terms of increasing the number of African American school psychologists. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Motives and circumstances: Occupational-change experiences of prospective late-entry teachers

Faced with a shrinking teacher work force, some nations are increasingly turning to adults who enter teaching from other fields. Using a variant of the life history method, this study examines employment patterns and career motives of a sample of 40 prospective late-entry teachers. As in prior research, subjects report being drawn primarily by teaching's intrinsic rewards. Wider variation was found, however, in the circumstances under which they left their previous occupations, with socioeconomic concerns and self-fulfillment accounting for most such decisions. Implications are considered for teacher recruitment and other policy issues.     

Men considering (and choosing) teaching as a career: what accounts for their decision to become a teacher?

The aim of the current study is to better understand the decision-making of men considering teaching as a career option. By means of a longitudinal study (n = 226), we examined the persistence of male academic high-school students in Switzerland interested in teaching during transition to higher education. For 85 men attending information events for teacher education, using regression analysis we explore factors contributing to their decidedness and volition before enrolling for teacher education studies. The findings reveal that only a very small number of male academic high-school students are interested in teaching. Those who are, however, are persistent in their study choice. Results of the regression analysis show that an interest in working with children and youth, the importance of having free time for other things and having professional experience working with children contribute to the likelihood of men having decided to take up teacher education studies.     

The Effects of a Preengineering Project-based Learning Curriculum on Self-efficacy Among Community College Students

Using statewide survey study data collected from more than 5,000 community college students, this study examined the impact of a preengineering curriculum on students' self-efficacy level after they entered rural community colleges. Project Lead The Way (PLTW), is a project-based learning curriculum for middle and high school students that strives to create a path to college and career success in STEM-related fields. In this article, the authors focused on comparing the probability of rating high self-efficacy among 86 community college students who participated in PLTW with students with no PLTW experience. The findings indicated that PLTW students have significantly lower probability of rating high self-efficacy compared to their non-PLTW counterparts. It might be that PLTW students rated their self-efficacy by comparing with a group of their close peers, who might be a group of academically high-ability students. This study provides implications for the unique, perhaps unintentional, peer effects of the project-based learning curriculum on the self-rating of students' self-efficacy. The findings highlighted the secondary-postsecondary nexus on STEM education, especially the importance of secondary programs that could positively influence the STEM educational pathways for community college students.     

Tertiary Students' Perceptions of their Learning Environments: A New Procedure and Some Outcomes

The use of student perceptions in improving teaching and learning is briefly reviewed along with an analysis of potential limitations of procedures commonly used to gather those perceptions. An alternative procedure, the Perceptions of Learning Environments Questionnaire (PLEQ), is suggested in an attempt to overcome the limitations. 1249 students from ten schools in five faculties at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane. Australia were given the opportunity, using the semi‐structured but open‐ended format of the PLEQ, to write about events that they felt helped or hindered their learning ('statements')‐ In each case, they were also asked to indicate why ('reasons'). The data were classified into 55 categories of ‘statements’ and 47 categories of ‘reasons’ where each category had a positive and negative dimension. Analysis of the students' views indicate that, for them, effective teaching is relevant, experiential and interactive while ineffective teaching lacks structure, is inappropriately paced, lacks variety and occurs in a classroom that lacks discipline. The implications of these views are examined in terms of contemporary approaches to teaching and learning.     

Relations of Preschoolers' Social Acceptance to Peer Ratings and Self-Perceptions

To examine the relations of preschoolers' social acceptance to peer ratings and self-perceptions, 53 preschoolers were asked to rate how much they liked or disliked their peers and to justify these ratings. Preschoolers also rated their peers' aggressive, prosocial, and sociable behavior. Finally, they completed a pictorial self-perception scale that assessed their views of their physical competence and their relationships with mother and with peers. Children who were better liked by peers were rated as more prosocial, more sociable, and less aggressive than less liked children. Preschoolers often reported liking certain peers because they perceived that those peers liked them; they often reported disliking certain peers because they perceived those peers as aggressive. In contrast to findings with older children, preschoolers' social acceptance was not significantly related to any aspect of their self-perceptions. The results provide evidence for the validity of peer ratings by preschool-age children and bring up issues related to the development and assessment of self-perceptions among preschoolers.     

Erfassung und Struktur berufswahlrelevanter Faktoren für die Lehrerausbildung und den Lehrerberuf in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz

The career choice motivations of potential teachers, their interests and other factors relevant to their choice of career are studied in order to achieve the best possible recruitment of new entrants to the teaching profession. However, the research and findings which are already available in this field are inadequate. The article is the first study which aims to analyse the structure and applicability of the internationally accessible FIT-Choice instrument to detect the relevant factors for teaching as a career choice in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on the basis of representative samples (n = 6,601) in order to create a data basis which will enable the previously unconnected research initiatives in German-speaking countries to be combined. In addition, teaching experience is taken into account and used to check how valid the career choice motives stated by the students are. The overall objective is to explore the extent to which measurements of career choice motives and teaching experience and analysis of two areas can be generalised across different institutions and countries and can go beyond the limited significance of the previously available findings, and eventually to formulate generalisable assumptions about the ideas which influence teaching as a career choice, and especially the motivation which leads to this career choice.     

GRE candidates' perceptions of the importance of graduate admission factors

This study examines the perceptions of a representative sample of GRE test takers who were asked to indicate their views of the importance of eight widely considered factors in graduate admissions. Overall, candidates perceived undergraduate grades as the most important factor in graduate admissions. Recommendations and one's undergraduate field were rated as somewhat less important than undergraduate grades, and GRE Aptitude Test scores were rated even less important. GRE Advanced (Subject) Test scores were perceived as considerably less important than any other factor. Analyses by subgroup revealed that candidates' perceptions differed markedly according to the graduate field they intended to enter. Perceptions also differed by ethnic group (blacks versus whites) but not by sex or age.