Motivation and challenges of married Emirati students in teacher education

Abstract

This article provides an insight into the issues married female Emirati students face in pursuit of a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) teaching degree from the perspective of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) context. Their views reflect their experiences in a landscape of educational reform and social change. Using a survey instrument, the perceptions of 102 married female Emirati students were examined in relation to: motivational factors underpinning their decision to pursue their teaching degree; challenges encountered during the course of their study; support strategies used to mitigate and alleviate challenges encountered; and future possibilities for support. For the married female Emirati student participating in this study, a confluence of social factors account for their desire to pursue and attain their B. Ed teaching degree. These and aspects of challenges and support are traceable to spheres of influence encompassing self, family, college, society and culture. It is important that these insights are investigated and the data analyzed when constructing programs that have implications for teacher education in the context of the UAE.