Do preschool teacher candidates' self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes towards the profession predict their entrepreneurship?

Abstract

This study aimed to examine preschool teacher candidates' self-efficacy beliefs and their attitudes towards the profession as predictors of their entrepreneurship. 269 teacher candidates studying at different universities in Turkey and volunteering to participate in the study constitute the participants of the study designed in the correlational study model. Participant teacher candidates' self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes towards the profession and entrepreneurship were examined; self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes towards the profession, which are thought to have an impact on entrepreneurship, were evaluated. Also discussed about were the differences between these factors based on the teacher candidates' gender, the grade they got in college, and what they thought about doing the job after they graduated. As a result, it was determined that the self-efficacy beliefs, attitudes towards the profession, and entrepreneurship of preschool teacher candidates participating in the research were above the mean score of the scale, and the teacher candidates' self-efficacy beliefs and attitudes towards the profession predicted their entrepreneurship significantly. It was found that the self-efficacy beliefs and entrepreneurial spirit of female preschool teacher candidates were much higher than those of male preschool teacher candidates. Also, the entrepreneurial spirit of first-grade teacher candidates was higher than that of fourth-grade teacher candidates. Besides, it was determined that the attitude scores towards the profession of teacher candidates who do not have any other career plans other than teaching were significantly higher. Because teacher candidates who have high self-efficacy beliefs and positive attitudes towards their profession are more entrepreneurial, it is more likely that they will be more open to new ideas, try new things, and notice opportunities.