Examining the Problems Encountered by Pre-Application Teacher Candidates

Abstract

This study mentions the social pressures, economic difficulties, and psychological problems experienced by pre-service teacher candidates. At the same time, the difficulties related to KPSS, the problems encountered in the appointment process, the solution proposals for the problem, the expectations of the candidates, and the participants’ opinions about the appointment were evaluated. For this purpose, the Phenomenology (phenomenology) design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. In this study, the criterion sampling technique was used. The prospective teachers participating in the research are the ones who graduated from the Education Faculties of the Universities, Open Education Faculties, received formation, have the qualifications for appointment, are prepared for KPSS, and are waiting to be appointed. A semi-structured form was used as a data collection tool, and interviews were conducted with 15 participants. The research was carried out using by content analysis method and “Reasons for Choosing the Teaching Profession,” Challenges Experienced in the KPSS Preparation Period,” Social Pressures Experienced During the Appointment Process,” “Psychological Difficulties Experienced During the Appointment Process,” “Economic Difficulties Experienced During the Appointment Process,” “On the Problem of Unappointed Teachers.”Solutions”, “Despair Theme,” and “Expectations Regarding Appointment” themes were reached. According to the results obtained from the research, it was concluded that the pre-service teachers frequently experienced social pressures, had economic problems, the prolongation of the appointment process, the loss of hope and uncertain ty about the appointment negatively affected their psychology, they fell into hopelessness and anxiety, they could not make plans for the future, and they did not see the value. By looking at the candidates’ opinions, suggestions were made about the problem’s solution.