Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in pre-service secondary education teachers in Spain

This paper analyses the initial motivations for studying the Master's Degree in Secondary School Teaching in Spain. Participants were 441 university students who filled out a work-related values and motives questionnaire. Cluster analysis revealed four motivational profiles. Three of them display adequate intrinsic motivation, although there are marked differences among them. However, the fourth profile was associated with a low degree of vocation, along with difficulties in adapting to the demands of the role of teacher. The Chi-squared test yielded a better motivational profile in females and among those who had previous experience. These results allow us to make a series of proposals in the educational field. Further research should be conducted in this area; moreover, efforts should be devoted to improving the instructional design of the Spanish Master's Degree in Secondary School Teaching, as well as to revising the procedures designed for selection and orientation of future students.