The practicum as a motivating force to choose teaching English as a career

• Published in: Research papers in language teaching and learning 2021-02, Vol.11 (1), p.238-250
• Main Authors: Klangou, Stamatia, Sougari, Areti-maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Careers; College students; English language; English teachers; Motivation; Occupations; Personality; Second language teachers; TESOL
• ISSN: 1792-1244

This paper aims to explore the motivational forces that drive university students pursuing studies in English language and literature to follow teaching as a career by looking into the similarities and differences in their views among those students who have completed their practicum as part of their undergraduate studies and those who have not done so. It is interesting to delve into the aspects that motivate a young person to choose teaching English as a career since the future of the young generation depends widely on their choice of occupation. 140 students in their third and fourth year of studies in the School of English took part in this study. 74 had not opted for the practicum, while 66 had done so and had completed it. Based on the findings, both groups are motivated by altruistic views and the fact that they consider English to be an important subject both for them and their future learners. The ability to teach is another essential factor for them, while opportunities and meaningful relationships do not seem to play an important role for their choice. However, their personality seems to be a more motivating factor for those who had completed the practicum.