Analysis of gender equality training and commitment to studies of future teachers

Abstract

In recent years co-education has become a necessary pillar in forming a fair and equal society. Teachers are key agents for the development of gender equality and it is therefore considered necessary that they have the appropriate competences to do so. University education should be the basis of the gender knowledge that teachers will transmit in the future. The aim was to analyse whether future teachers were being trained in gender mainstreaming during their time at university and how committed they are to their studies. The sample consisted of 442 participants from the Degrees in Childhood Education, Primary Education or Masters related to Education in Spanish universities. A socio-demographic questionnaire was administered with ad hoc questions to study age, gender and studies undertaken and some questions relating to their previous training in coeducation. The Sensitive Assessment for Gender Equality scale and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were also applied to analyse their commitment to their studies. The results show that the participating students have not received training in coeducation before entering university. However, the majority, both boys and girls, are interested in receiving training in gender issues during their university studies and demand greater inclusion of this subject in their study plans. Likewise, the data indicate that satisfaction with their studies is proportional to their commitment to them.