Perspectives on the status of the teaching profession in Pakistan: an investigation of trainee teachers’ reasons for choosing the teaching profession, the role of the teacher and problems faced by trainee teachers

This thesis mainly analyses the trainee teachers’ reasons for choosing the teaching profession, the problems faced by them, perceptions about the role of a teacher and views about the status of the teaching profession in Pakistan. This study considered both trainee teachers and teacher trainers from a Teacher Training Institute, to examine the reasons for choosing the teaching profession in Pakistan. To seek the answer to the research questions of this study, grounded theory procedures are used to explore the views of participants and to provide an in-depth understanding in a particular context. In this research study, the research data are collected from three groups of participants by conducting one-to-one interviews and focus group discussions.

On the basis of the views of research participants, four major research categories are established and under each research category different sub categories are formed. It is reflected in the findings of this study that trainee teachers face many problems and difficulties in the Teacher Training Institute. Data analysis indicates the teaching profession is often associated with low achievers and poor people. It is also considered a respected profession and trainee teachers have a desire to bring positive changes to Pakistani society by adopting the teaching profession. Furthermore, teachers have a significant role in Pakistani society as there are very high expectations of a teacher; and many good qualities, roles and responsibilities are associated with a teacher. The results of this study indicate there is a great influence from the social, cultural and religious norms of Pakistani society on the participants' perceptions and understanding about the different aspects of this study.