Pre-service teachers in Germany's pluralistic scholarship system and their motivations for becoming teachers. Issue 2 (15th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Drahmann, Martin; Merk, Samuel; Cramer, Colin; Rothland, Martin
• Is Part Of: European journal of teacher education. Volume 42:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2019-03-15
• Subjects: Career choice motives -- pre-service teachers -- scholarship system -- talented students; Teachers -- Training of -- Europe -- Periodicals; 370.71094
• DOI: 10.1080/02619768.2019.1566314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-9768

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Germany has a unique scholarship program for highly talented students. The present study identifies differences between supported and non-supported pre-service teachers in this program and focuses on their motivations. A survey of N = 703 pre-service teachers ( n = 279 supported) forms the basis of the analysis. Using a non-parametric data preprocessing approach (matching individuals), differences in motivations to become a teacher were modelled in these two balanced groups. The results show significant differences between supported and unsupported pre-service teachers in terms of their motivations for becoming teachers; however, there are no differences after propensity score matching and consideration of confounding variables. The findings indicate that a closer look at the subgroups of pre-service teachers is needed, and the results are therefore relevant to research on teacher education and the support of highly talented pre-service teachers. Future research should account for longitudinal approaches and the scholarship programs' impact.