The Prospective Teachers of India: Understanding their Motivation to Enter the Teaching Profession

By Tristha Ramamurthy.

Published by Journal of the World Universities Forum

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Article: Print	$US10.00
Article: Electronic	$US5.00

Teacher education in India has seen vast changes over the last few decades. Within the existing education system, the role of a trained, qualified and motivated teacher cannot be underestimated. This study is exploratory in nature and aims to shed light on the barely understood topic of who wants to be a teacher in India and why. The sample consists of students (N = 173) pursuing their Bachelor of Education in Bangalore City, India. Using a survey with multiple choice and open‐ended questions, it identifies various themes that motivate teachers and how their respective background characteristics could affect their stated motivations.

The study finds that prospective teachers are motivated by money, prestige and the opportunity to work with children. They perceive the teaching profession as a service to society, which also serves to attract them. A vast majority of the prospective teachers have been influenced by other family members, former teachers, spouse or friends to enter teaching. Interestingly, the status of the profession is extremely important, especially to women and students belonging to low socio‐economic status. Young, high achieving students stress money, the opportunity to work with children and to be of service through teaching as their main motivations.

India’s development socially, economically, politically and technologically will be exemplified by the improvements in the education system, and zoning in on teachers will cause the much‐needed positive, long lasting impact. These findings help us understand teachers and how we can build a strong educational system in the country by focusing on attracting and understanding teachers.

Keywords:	Prospective Teacher, India, Teacher Education, Motivation

Journal of the World Universities Forum, Volume 2, Issue 6, pp.33-48. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Article: Electronic (PDF File; 1.402MB).

Tristha Ramamurthy

Vice President, CMR Group of Institutions, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Tristha Ramamurthy is currently the Vice President of CMR Group of Institutions based in Bangalore, India. Apart from her interest in education management and administration, she is very involved in social ventures, curriculum development and teacher training. She believes in creating large scale social impact through the combined efforts of the government, policy makers, changemakers and civil society. She has completed her Bachelor of Business Management at Singapore Management University, majoring in management and political science. She also holds a Masters degree from Stanford University School of Education, USA.

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