The readiness level of prospective geography teachers for their professional competences

The readiness level of prospective geography teachers for their professional competences and its relation with various variables are revealed in this study.The study was conducted with totally 252 prospective geography teachers from 4th and 5th grades of 4 different universities in the spring term of the 2010-2011 academic year. A scale for the readiness level of prospective geography teachers for their professional competences, which was developed by the researcher, was used in order to collect data.In analyzing the data obtained in the study, t-test and/or Mann Whitney U test was/were used in the double comparison of independent variables depending on the factors which are in the state of dependent variables. One way variance test (ANOVA) and/or Kruskal Wallis H test was/were used for group comparisons. When differences were found among the groups, Scheffe and/or Mann Whitney U test was/were used so as to find the source of differences. Correlation level between the data was determined by the Pearson Correlation test technique.As a result of the study, it was determined that the readiness level of prospective geography teachers for their professional competences is adequate. Besides, it was revealed that there are significant differences in the readiness level according to such variables as student?s gender, university, grade, graduation discipline, living neighborhood and participation in field surveys. However it was determined that such variables as type of the school of graduation, order of discipline preference, employment anxiety, thinking of performing teaching and participation in social and cultural activities do not effect the readiness level for their professional competences. In the light of the data obtained in the study, proposals were put forward for the development of readiness level of prospective teachers and for scientific research that will be done in the future.