Study of the relationship between teachers' perceptions regarding the teaching practice course and their commitment to the teaching profession

Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the perceptions of teacher candidates studying at the faculty of education about the Teaching Practice course and their level of commitment to the teaching profession; and also determine whether these variables differ according to gender and department variables and whether there is a relationship between these variables and to reveal whether the perceptions of the Teaching Practice course predict commitment to the teaching profession. Method: In this study, the relational screening model, one of the qualitative research models was used. The data of the study were obtained from teacher candidates studying at Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Education and taking the Teaching Practice course. 'Teaching Practice Scale' and 'Commitment To Teaching Profession Scale' were used in the study. Results: In the study, it was observed that the total score of the teacher candidates' perceptions of the Teaching Practice course and the total score of their commitment to the teaching profession were found to be at high level. The level of perception regarding the teaching practice course and the level of commitment to the teaching profession differ significantly in favor of women in terms of gender. There is a moderate relationship between the two variables. In addition, it was found that the perceptions regarding the Teaching Practice course predicted the commitment to the teaching profession at the level of 20%, excluding the Practice period dimension. Conclusion and Suggestions: According to this study, it is seen that teacher candidates' perceptions of the Teaching Practice course predict their commitment to the teaching profession. The high level of commitment of teacher candidates to the profession while carrying out their profession depends on the quality of the pre-service education they receive, and it is recommended to take the necessary precautions to carry out the practice courses in a way that will increase their experience and professional commitment. For this reason, it is recommended that the advisor teachers and advisor instructors follow the course related activities more closely and communicate with the teacher candidates in a more guiding and informative content. Keywords: Teaching practice, Commitment to the teaching profession, Teacher candidate, Teacher training