Perceptions of Primary School Teaching by First Year Education Students

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate first-year Education students' perceptions of selected aspects of primary school teaching. This information can be useful for teacher educators to understand where the first-year Education students stand in terms of their views on primary education, and to provide appropriate support system if their perceptions change over the four year program. Participants were 99 first-year Education students in Bachelor of Education in Primary Education at a regional university in NSW, Australia. Data were collected using the Primary Teaching Questionnaire (PTQ), devised by the investigator, and were analyzed using statistical analysis and coding methods. Results showed that their perceptions about primary school teaching were positive, and in some cases, idealistic. They wanted to make an impact on children's life and make a difference as future leaders. They listed personal qualities appropriate for primary school teachers, such as a caring mind, enthusiasm, humour, passion for teaching, patience, flexible, engaging, open-minded, and rated themselves highly for these qualities. They think creativity is important in order to motivate children and to develop creative potential in children. Many students think they will be happy staying in primary teacher positions for many years to come.