Uncovering preservice teachers’ perceptions and preparedness on working with students of poverty

• Main Authors: Prudente, Maricar S., Arnuco, Aireen Barrios, Ramos, Anne Marie R., Mistades, Voltaire M.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Low-income students; Student teachers; Education; Educational Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/9369
• Institution: De La Salle University

Despite the recent economic growth in the Philippines, the number of families living in poverty continues to increase. In order to address the problems that poverty may bring to school classrooms, it is critical that pre- service teachers gain an appreciation of the effects of poverty on their classrooms. This descriptive survey uncovered the beliefs, attitudes and preparedness on working with students of poverty among pre-service teachers enrolled in a private teacher education institution. Administration of questionnaire among the pre service teachers (N = 106) and conduct of three focus group discussions (N = 14) served as the primary means of data gathering. The pre-service teachers’ responses to the questionnaire and focus group discussions were indicative that they hold positive beliefs and attitudes about students of poverty. Generally, the pre service teachers surveyed hold positive beliefs and attitudes about students of poverty. Overall, the preservice teachers’ believed that the teacher education program in the university has prepared them on working with students of poverty by providing them with relevant academic courses, direct experiences, and extra-curricular opportunities.