Factors influencing teaching as a career choice (FIT-Choice) in Ghana

Abstract

This research was conducted to examine the structural validity of the FIT-Choice (Factors Influencing Teaching Choice) scale in the Ghanaian context using teachers in pre-tertiary schools. A cohort of 354 teachers were selected to take part in a quantitative survey, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research found that the participants were influenced by social utility value and personal utility value to choose a teaching career rather than extrinsic utility value. The research further showed that, while in teaching, the teachers mainly believed in their expertise, and were satisfied with their choice of a teaching career devoid of dissuasion. The research recommended giving a better opportunity to teachers to enjoy job security, time for family, transfers and social equity.

Keywords:

• Teacher motivation
• Greater Accra Region of Ghana
• FIT-Choice conceptual framework
• teaching as a career; quantitative approach

Acknowledgement

We would like to express profound gratitude to Professor Helen Watt and Associate Professor Paul Richardson of Monash University for giving us the opportunity to use their FIT-Choice Scale, and also to adopt the most part of the methodological procedures they used in their previous research.