Determining preservice teachers’ goal orientations for learning through card sorting activity

Abstract

This study aims at investigating and identifying preservice teachers’ goal orientations in the learning environment through a card-sorting activity. This study also aims at examining preservice teachers’ goal orientations in terms of certain variables such as gender, class level and department type. Participants consisted of preservice teachers attending different departments at Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University in Turkey. In this research, a card-sorting activity and a semi-structured interview form were used as data collection tools. As suggested by Friedrichsen and Dana (2003; 2005), a card-sorting activity comprising scenarios was prepared and used by the researchers to identify preservice teachers’ goal orientations for learning. In this activity, goal orientation scenarios were formed according to Elliot and McGregor’s (2001) 2x2 goal orientations structures. The scenarios and the semi-structured interview form used in this research were designed through consultation with specialists. This study follows the case study approach of qualitative research methodology. Finally, the data collected were analysed by the descriptive analysis technique. The results indicated that preservice teachers mostly associated themselves with the learning approach goal orientation and least associated with performance avoidance goal orientation. Recommendations for implementation were offered to practitioners.