Studentsi' motives and satisfaction with studies in the area of natural sciences and their willingness to continue studies in teacher education

Abstract

Teachers of natural sciences play a key role to play in creating knowledge of education for sustainable development (ESD). However, Estonian studentsí interest in studying natural sciences nd their willingness to continue studies in teacher education have decreased. This study was designed to address the following research questions: How clear were the studentsi' motives to study natural sciences? How does the clarity of motives relate to studentsi' satisfaction with their studies? How is studentsi' satisfaction with studies related to their interest to continue studies in teacher education? What are the reasons to choose or not to choose teacher education? The participants of the study were students of natural sciences at Tallinn University who responded to an adapted Learning and Studying Questionnaire by Entwistle et al. (2002) and open-ended questions designed by the authors of the study. The results of the study support that carefully planned curriculum selection and positive learning experiences increase studentsi' willingness to choose teacher education.