Attached
Area o f the Study
This study is mainly focused on identifying the factors affecting graduates who have
chosen teaching as a career and what was their general perception on teaching as a
profession.
Problem o f the Study
To investigate the main factors which were influenced to choose teaching as a career path
among graduates ’ teachers in western province in Sri Lanka.
Method o f the Study
The data were collected from randomly selected sample o f 100 graduate teachers in
western province by using a structured questionnaire, which consisted o f 47 statements
with a 5 point Likert scale. The data analysis included the univariate and bivariate
analyses.
Findings o f the Study
According to the empirical evidence o f this study, it is found that perceived teaching
ability, intrinsic value, job security, time for family, shape the future o f children, enhance
social equity, make social contribution, work with children, prior teaching and learning
experience have high influence on graduates' choice o f teaching as a career and they
perceived teaching as a noble profession which requires hard work along with great skills
and high standards. As their perception, teaching career is has a well respected career
and a high social status within the society.
Conclusion o f the Study
The identified factors which had higher influence on graduate teachers ’ career choice can
be used to improve teacher recruitment and retention, reform teacher education and
professional development and finding ways to enhance teaching effectiveness.
