Browsing by Author "Ruuskanen, Antti"

Based on previous reports we have a significant demand for kindergarten teachers. In this light, it is important to examine the selection process of kindergarten teacher education units. Student selection is carried out via a national entrance examination on the field of education. The selection process aims at discovering the applicants most suitable and motivated to study and practice early childhood education. This study charts kindergarten teacher students’ motivation and commitment to early childhood education during the first two years of their studies at the University of Helsinki.The research questions were: (1) What is kindergarten teacher students’ motivation to practice early childhood education like when applying to kindergarten teacher education? (1.1) Which factors are connected to their motivation to practice ECE when applying? (1.2) How is their motivation to practice ECE when applying connected to later motivation and commitment to practice ECE? (2) Which background factors are connected to later motivation and commitment to practice ECE? (3) Which professional factors enhance the commitment to ECE? The data was collected via a survey questionnaire during a course for first and second year students. 144 of 194 students that had signed for the course replied. 56 of 100 students who started their studies in 2011 and 78 of 120 who started in 2012 replied. The SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Statistical significances were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results suggest the average motivation to practice ECE was high when applying for studies. Motivation to practice ECE when applying predicted professional motivation during the freshman year but after the second practice there was no connection. However, motivation to practice ECE while applying had a positive impact on the probability of a long working career also for students who had completed their second practice. Respondents estimated that the most significant factor in prolonging working careers was a good working atmosphere. Better wages seem to extend working careers, especially those that are in danger of falling short. It is very important to recognize high motivation when interviewing applicants, because it commits them to long working careers. An applicant with high motivation is more likely to be older, possess at least one year of kindergarten experience, and have a background with basic studies in ECE at the Open University. On the other hand, if the objective is merely to meet with the societal needs for kindergarten teachers, those who have applied primarily to kindergarten teacher education should be invited to the second phase interview because their commitment is very high.