Elementary School Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions of Quality in Higher Education

Abstract

Maintaining quality throughout all stages of higher education and its constituents is crucial for cultivating a quality labor force. The purpose of this study is to identify the perceptions of pre-service teachers regarding the quality of higher education. This study aims to achieve this goal through qualitative methodologies. The data was gathered via an interview questionnaire developed by the researcher. The study group consists of volunteers enrolled in departments of elementary education from two public universities made up of 47 female and 13 male candidates, for a total of 60 pre-service teachers. A semi-structured interview questionnaire developed by the researcher was used for the collection of data. For data analysis, thematic content analysis was employed. It was found in the study that the facilities, the equipment provided by the institutions, and the amenities present in the surrounding areas were deemed insufficient by the pre-service teachers in both universities. Furthermore, they remarked that their interests, requests, complaints, and needs were being neglected, while also expressing views affirming the qualities of the academic and administrative staff in their respective institutions. Taking into consideration the perspectives from both universities, the factors of transportation, the natural environment, attitudes of local people towards the students, security, social services, sports amenities, food, and accommodations were observed to be variable in terms of the viewpoints of pre-service teachers. Similarly, the perceptions of pre-service teachers concerning guidance and counseling services, views towards course materials and their practical applications, systems of examination, and university awards and honors have also shown differences between the two institutions.