What Prerequisites do Teacher Trainees have for their Studies?

A Competence Analysis Using the Aptitude Assessment Procedure PArcours

Abstract

Students who are interested in studying teaching should have certain competencies and characteristics in order to be successful in their studies and the teaching profession. Essential competencies and characteristics are, for instance, social interests, conscientiousness, intellectual capabilities as well as intrinsic motives for study and career choice (e.g., Borkenau & Ostendorf, 2008; Gottfredson, 1997; Mayr, 2012). During aptitude assessment procedures, prospective teacher trainees can be informed about study and job requirements and they can be advised on their personal aptitude. The aptitude assessment procedure PArcours has been offered at the University Passau since 2009. The participants complete practical tasks and written tests. The PArcours procedure is presented in this article. Based on data which has been gained in nine semesters (n= 412) the profile of prospective teacher trainees is reported. The PArcours results allow valid statements about study dropout. However, school final examination grades should not be used as a predictor of study continuation.