Hanife ESEN–AYGUN
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, TURKEY.
DOI: 10.14689/ejer.2018.77.6

ABSTRACT

Purpose: In this study, the aim was to investigate pre– service teachers’ cognitive flexibility in terms of specific variables and determine the relationship between pre–service teachers’ cognitive flexibility and interpersonal problem solving skills.

Research Methods: The study was designed in descriptive correlation model. Data were collected via the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory and Interpersonal Problem Solving Inventory from 531 pre–service teachers who studied in the Primary Teacher Training Departments during the fall semester of the 2017–2018 academic years.

Findings: The findings indicated that there were significant differences according to gender and maternal education status, while there were no significant differences according to class level, department, and fathers’ education status, socio– economic and socio–cultural status. In addition, there was a relationship between pre–service teachers’ cognitive flexibility and interpersonal problem solving skills.

Implications for Research and Practice: It has been shown that pre–service teachers, who are cognitively flexible, are able to solve problems constructively and persistently. It is thought that an important characteristic of the professional and personal development and success of pre– service teachers who are trained to educate future generations to use their cognitive flexibility skills effectively in the solution of interpersonal problems. Based on the findings, it is recommended to take measures within the scope of teacher training in order to develop the capacities of cognitive flexibility of pre–service teachers.

Keywords: Cognitive flexibility, problem solving, teacher training, pre-service teacher.