The Attitudes of the Unqualified Mathematics and Computer Educational-Diploma-Enrolled Teachers towards the Teaching Profession

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the attitudes of the unqualified mathematics and computer educational-diploma-enrolled teachers towards the teaching profession, and how such attitudes are influenced by the subject taught, teaching experience and performance variables. To fulfill the purpose of the study, the researcher used the descriptive-survey method, and developed a scale for assessing the teachers’ attitudes towards the teaching profession. The scale was administered to 64 unqualified mathematics and computer teachers enrolled in the General Diploma of Education at King Khalid University during the second semester of the 1433-1434 H./2012-2013 AD academic year. The results of the study revealed that the participants’ attitudes were generally positive towards the nature of the teaching profession, and its social status, and future, but they had negative attitudes towards its economic status. Additionally, the study found statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level in the participants’ attitudes to the teaching profession due to the subject taught in favour of the computer teachers, and due to the teaching performance level in favour of the teachers with the very good level. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found in the participants’ attitudes towards the teaching profession due to the years of the work experience. In the light of these results, the study has provided some recommendations and suggestions.