Investigation of the relationship between the pre-service social studies teachers attitudes towards the teaching profession and level of professional enthusiasm

With this research, it was aimed to determine the level of professional enthusiasm and attitudes towards the teaching profession of Social Studies teacher candidates. In the research it was also examined the professional enthusiasm and attitudes towards the profession differ according to gender, class level, willingly choosing the department, willing to do a graduate education in the department. The study also aimed to determine the relationships between perception of the probability of being appointed as a teacher, professional enthusiasm and attitude towards the profession. The population of this study, in which descriptive, causal, comparative and relational research designs are used, consists of pre-service teachers (n = 279) studying at İnönü University, Faculty of Education, Social Studies Teaching Program in the 2018-2019 academic year. In the study, no sample was taken, and it was aimed to reach all students in the population. As a result, data collected from 197 teacher candidates were included in the analysis. "Professional Enthusiasm Scale" and "Attitude Scale towards Teaching Profession" were used in the study. Descriptive statistical calculations, t-test, one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis were performed on the data obtained. After the analysis, it was determined that the professional enthusiasm of the teacher candidates and their attitudes towards the profession showed a significant difference according to the variables of gender, class level and willingly choosing the department. It was also determined in the study that there are low and medium level positive relationships between professional enthusiasm and attitude towards the profession.