Personality Traits as a Determinant of Mathematics Trainee- Teachers on Career Choice in Tertiary Institution Ekiti state

This study examined the influence of personality traits as determinant of Mathematics trainee teachers on their choice of career in the teaching profession. It specifically investigated how teachers’ personality traits influence their choice of teaching career in secondary schools in Ekiti State. The study adopted descriptive research of correlational design type. The population for this study comprises all the trainee-teachers in tertiary education in Ekiti State. The sample consist of 600 participants which were selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument used for this study was a questionnaire on personality traits and career choice. Five personality inventory on career choice was used to collect data for the study. Face and content validity of the instrument was ascertained and the reliability of the instrument was carried out. The reliability coefficient of 0.67 was obtained using cronbach alpha, the coefficient was high and therefore adjudge reliable for the study. The instrument was admistered on the respondents in the selected tertiary institution. The data were analyzed using frequency count, percentages and chi-square analysis.. The result revealed that personality traits of Mathematics trainee –teacher influenced their choice of teaching as a career. Mathematics trainee teachers with relevant personality traits shown interest in teaching Mathematics than Mathematics trainee teachers of other personality traits. This investigation concluded with suggested recommendation that school counsellor should encourage Mathematics trainee teacher to accept taking teaching job after their programme instead of looking for other job and better develop interest in Mathematics. School authority and government should create conducive environment that can allow manifestation of relevant personality traits in Mathematics trainee teacher.