Abstract

• The purpose of this research was to investigate the attitude of pre-service teachers in Education Colleges towards their teaching profession. A sample was comprised of 1000 pre-service teachers from selected Education Colleges. A descriptive survey method was used in this study. To get the data for the attitude towards teaching profession, the questionnaire having the demographic data, (40) five-point Likert items, was developed. Pre-service teachers’ attitude towards their teaching profession was examined by five dimensions: attitude towards choosing teaching career, attitude towards professional development during training period, attitude towards professional commitment, attitude toward professional status/pride and attitude towards professional expectation. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t test. The findings showed that most of pre-service teachers chose teaching as career accordance with their own desire. They got fond of teaching during their training period due to their teachers’ guidance and practical teaching. They have a strong commitment as well as a high willingness towards teaching profession. They also believe teaching profession as a noble job and that it will bring a venerable position in society. According to gender, female pre-service teachers have more positive attitude than males. On comparing teaching programs, the pre-service teachers who attend pre-service primary teachers training program have more positive attitude than those who attend diploma in teacher education program. However, pre-service teachers who are specialized in both of arts and sciences subject combination have the same attitude towards teaching profession. Therefore, it can be concluded that all of pre-service teachers have positive attitude towards teaching profession although there was difference in the attitude in terms of gender and teaching program.