Examination of preschool teacher candidates' value preferences

The purpose of this research is to examine the value preferences of pre-school teacher candidates according to different variables. Research has a quantitative paradigm in the context of data. In the study, comparison type relational survey model was used. The research study group consists of 508 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade teacher candidates as of 2020-2021 Academic Year from the Department of Preschool Education, Faculty of Education of Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Balıkesir University, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Kütahya Dumlupınar University, Uşak University, and Pamukkale University. The research data were collected through "Portrait Values Questionnaire" adapted into Turkish by Demirutku and Sümer (2010). Statistical analyzes of the data were made with a package program. The t-test, Anova and Kruskal-Wallis test techniques were used in data analyses. As a result of the research, a significant difference was found in the dimensions of power, hedonism, self-direction, benevolence, and universalism across the scale according to the gender variable of the values of the preschool teacher candidates. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the factors of Tradition Compliance and Safety with respect to the type of high school they had graduated from. It was revealed that there is no significant difference between the dimensions of power, success, hedonism, and stimulation that the pre-school teachers have with respect to their grade. Residing in metropolitan or small city was found out to cause significant differences in the dimensions of stimulation and self-direction. While there was no significant difference in any dimension of the values of the teacher candidates according to the mother's education level, it was seen that there was a significant difference in the father's education level in the dimensions of success, hedonism, traditionalism + conformity and security.