Do expectations match reality? : exploring teachers' expectations before and after graduation

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to explore whether initial student teacher expectations about various aspects of their profession change once they start teaching on a full-time basis. This mixed methods study involved an initial questionnaire with the fourth year B.Ed. (Hons) Primary Education cohort (2008-2012) which was followed by another questionnaire involving the same cohort once they had graduated, to explore the realities of schools and whether their expectations matched the actual reality. A number of interviews to eight of the participants were conducted with the aim to explore in greater detail the findings of the questionnaires with specific reference to the induction phase. My research findings indicate that the B.Ed. (Hons) Primary Education course is failing to equip the prospective teachers with all the knowledge and skills needed to face the realities of schools. Furthermore, the study also revealed several shortcomings in the teacher induction programme being provided to newly-qualified primary teachers. Thus, there is a clear need to improve the current pre-service teacher education programme, induction programme and professional development on several fronts.