PROFESSIONAL SOCIALIZATION OF TEACHERS

1.   INTRODUCTION

Socialization is a lifelong process by which a person learns the ways of a group or society in order to become a functioning participant. It is a process that produces attitudes, values, knowledge, and skills required to participate effectively as an individual or a group member. Professional Socialization of a teacher implies the transition of the graduate to a full-fledged professional that is facilitated if there is congruence between the norms, values, and expectations of the educational program and the realities of the work setting.

2.    MEANING

Professional Socialization is a process by which an individual learns the roles and responsibilities of his or her profession and emerges as a member of the professional culture. Weidman, Twale and Stein (2001) define socialization as ―the process by which persons acquire the knowledge, skills and disposition that makes them more or less effective members of society‖.

 They add ―socialization has also been recognized as a subconscious process whereby persons internalize behavioural norms and standards and form a sense of identity and commitment to a professional field‖.

Waugman and Lohrer (2000) also include in the definition:

Þ   Taking on the group‘s organizational goals and social mission;

Þ   Advocating its knowledge;

Þ   Learning technology and language of the profession and

Þ   Integrating the professional role into one‘s identity and other life roles as components of professional socialization.

Howkins and Ewens (cited in Secrest, Norwood and Keatley 2003) state that professional socialization encompasses values and norms as well as skills and behaviours.