The image of teachers in selected studies. An international and Polish perspective
Abstract
Research objectives (aims) and problem(s): This article presents important issues related to knowledge about teachers that are not always connected to the teaching process but can play a significant role in the teaching profession. Furthermore, it aims to fill a gap in research on teachers by referring to several different issues in a single text.
Research methods: The method used is primarily a comparative analysis of existing data from international, large-scale quantitative studies and works derived from official national studies. A social desirability scale is also provided, aimed at verifying the opinions and responses of the surveyed teachers.
Process of argumentation: The article consists of four main parts and a summary. The introductory part refers to methodological issues in teacher research. Relevant findings from studies using the social desirability scale are quoted to examine whether teachers’ opinions may be distorted to align more closely with social expectations. The second part is a socio-demographic characterisation of teachers. The third part presents teachers’ beliefs and attitudes. These relate to the most important elements of professional preparation and to teachers’ sense of self-efficacy in their work. The fourth part completes the image of teachers based on public opinion of the profession in Poland.
Research findings and their impact on the development of educational sciences: Among the issues discussed are the feminisation and ageing of the teaching staff, teachers’ perceptions of their preparedness for teaching, the importance of teachers’ self-efficacy, discrepancies between public opinion of teachers and what teachers think about themselves, and how society values them. The research indicates that it is worth observing the teaching profession not only from the perspective of the classroom.
Conclusions and/or recommendations: Given that teachers are leaving the profession, government policies should introduce changes in their professional status. The issues most frequently raised by teachers are the salary situation and the need to increase their ability to influence politicians’ decisions regarding education. An equally important issue – in light of the analyses and postulates cited – is the effective attraction of young candidates to the teaching profession.
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