PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS' REASONS FOR CHOOSING TEACHING AS A PROFESSION

The study seeks to explore prospective teachers' reasons for choosing teaching as a profession. A total of 439 students studying in Gazi University Gazi Faculty of Education, Department of Elementary Education in 2010-2011 academic year participated in the study. Results revealed that prospective teachers' perceptions on reasons for choosing teaching as a profession varied significantly depending on their having a teacher relative, the department they are studying in, and department's order of preference in University Entrance Exam. Research findings gave rise to the need for further research to examine the reasons of prospective teachers for choosing teaching as a profession.