Factors Influencing Trainee Teachers’ Choice of Schools on Deployment after Completion of Training

Abstract

Teachers have different conceptions on the different conditions that should be found in and around the schools in which they work, hence, preferences and choices made in selecting schools to work in. The study sought to examine factors influencing trainee teachers’ choice of school on deployment after training. A mixed method research paradigm was employed and a case study design was utilised. A convenient sample of sixty-one trainee teachers in one teacher training college in Zimbabwe participated in the study. Data were collected through a semi structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed statistically with aid of SPSS version 21 statistical software. Qualitative data were analysed through thematic content analysis. The study found that factors related to basic living conditions and teaching and learning constituted the most important factors influencing respondents’ choice of schools. The study concludes that trainee teachers’ views on factors influencing their choices of schools on deployment had serious implications on teacher deployment policies and practices. Recommendations were made.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n16p346