Predicting educational and occupational attainment among male and female teacher education students: an examination of high school extracurricular participation and other selected characteristics

摘要

The current study had two components: Study 1 and Study 2. The purpose of Study 1 was to examine variables that predict graduation from the Iowa State University Teacher Education Program among 2,008 prospective teacher education students who were enrolled in a beginning education course. The analyses were conducted separately for male and female students;College grade point average when enrolled in a beginning education course was the strongest predictor of graduation in teacher education for both male and female students. For females, the three best predictors of graduation in teacher education following college grades, were participation in teacher aide activities while in high school, seeking future employment that provided humanity and service job characteristics, and participation in high school sports activities. For males, the three best predictors of graduation following college grades were planning to teach at the secondary level, non-sport high school activity participation, and total activity participation while in high school;The purpose of Study 2 was to examine relationships between high school extracurricular activity participation and selected characteristics of graduates five years following their graduation from the ISU Teacher Education Program. The data were collected on 182 graduates who were surveyed five years after graduating from the Teacher Education Program;When compared on their total high school activity participation, teacher education graduates surveyed five years following graduation did not differ by teaching employment pattern or by gender. Total participation in high school activities was positively related to adult activity participation for female but not for male teacher education graduates. Participation in high school activities was positively related to advising, coaching, or sponsoring activities for both male and female education graduates. Serving as an advisor, coach, or sponsor of school activities was positively related to satisfaction with teaching for both female and male graduates who were currently teaching. The results of this study provide evidence that the socializing effects of participation in high school extracurricular activities may endure through college graduation and into adulthood.