Investigation of Burnout Levels of Special Education Teacher Candidates

Abstract

The current research is to examine the burnout levels of special education teacher candidates. This study used a correlational survey design. 311 teacher candidates studying in the special education department in Turkiye in the 2023-2024 academic year participated in the research. The research data were collected through the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Form (MTE-Student Form). The analysis of the obtained data was carried out through the statistical package program. Independent groups t-test was used to reveal the differences in variables related to the gender of the teacher candidates, their satisfaction with the special education teaching department they studied in, and their interaction with individuals with special needs in the past. One-way analysis of variance ANOVA was used to determine the differentiation in terms of variables related to the grade level of education. In cases where differentiation was understood, the Tukey test was used to reveal the reason for the differentiation and to control the difference between the means. As a result of the research, it is revealed that there is a significant difference (p˂0.05) between the gender, grade level, satisfaction with the special education department and interaction with individuals with special needs in the past and burnout levels of pre-service teachers. In order to reduce burnout in pre-service special education teachers, personal achievement and skills of these individuals should be developed, activities that encourage learning should be included and group work should be included.