Investigation of Pre-School and Primary School Pre-Service Teacher’s Hopelessness Levels in Terms of Different Variables

Abstract

In this study, the hopelessness levels of the senior students studying at Pre-school and Primary school Teaching in 2017-2018 academic year were examined in terms of different variables. That study is conducted in a survey model research. A total of 114 students that consist of 47 primary school and 67 pre-primary teachers. "Beck Hopelessness Scale" developed by Beck and "Personal Information Form" developed by researchers were used as a data collection tools. In addition to demographic features, only one open-ended question is included in the personal information form. In the analysis of qualitative data, content analysis technique was used. As a result of the research, it was determined that the hopelessness level of pre-service teachers was at a medium level close to high (X̄ = 14.37). There was a significant difference in the hopelessness levels of pre-service teachers according to the family communication variable. On the other hand, the hopelessness levels of the candidates did not differ significantly according to the relationship of friendship, living with or away from the family, education level of the parents and monthly income. According to the results of the qualitative data obtained in the research, most of the participants related the cause of despair to professional problems. These results underline the need for support in order to ensure that prospective teachers who are trained in the basic education department and who are at the graduation stage can look forward to the future with hope. These results underline that various studies and researches are needed to decrease the level of hopelessness of senior students.