Motivation, self-efficacy, and perceptions: A comparative study of male and female teacher candidates in Indonesia

Abstract

One of the components that plays a role in education is the preparation of good teachers. However, research in various countries shows that not all teacher education is successful. There are some teacher candidates who do not succeed in completing their education, and some of those who have completed their education are not all willing to work as teachers. This study seeks to reveal internal factors in pre-service students at Yogyakarta State University in attending education, which include the aspects of motivation, self-efficacy, and perceptions of being a professional teacher. Different backgrounds such as gender among pre-service students in participating in teacher professional education programs in Indonesia will affect their behavior, especially with regard to motivation, self-efficacy, and perceptions as professional teachers. By using standardized instruments, the researcher measured the Indonesian preservice students’ motivation to be a teacher, self-efficacy, and perceptions to serve as a professional teacher. The results showed that there were significant differences between male and female teacher candidates in terms of their motivation to be a teacher, self-efficacy as a teacher, and perceptions of being a teacher. Female students have higher motivation to be a teacher and selfefficacy as well as better perceptions compared to male students, who have lower motivation and self-efficacy as well as poor perceptions. This research provides benefits as a material for consideration in making policies related to teacher education programs. Furthermore, this research can provide mutual insight in the preparation of teacher education, especially in the personal development of prospective teachers.