Factors Influencing Assertiveness of Prospective Teachers of the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aimed to measure assertiveness of the prospective teachers of the Faculty of Education, University of Colombo and to determine the factors influencing assertiveness. The sample comprised of 100 female undergraduates representing all three media of instruction; Sinhala, Tamil and English. The participants in the sample were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Assertiveness was measured using the original and the translated versions of The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule. Ex-post facto survey design was used. Analysis of data was done descriptively as well as inferentially using chi square test for association. Findings indicated that approximately two third of the students were seemed to be possessing assertive behaviour. Compared to non-assertiveness of Sinhala and Tamil media groups, majority of the participants in English medium group was found to be categorized as having non-assertiveness. Among the demographic variables that influence assertiveness of students, medium of instruction and father’s occupational levels were found to be statistically significantly associated with assertiveness. The study recommended carrying out a longitudinal survey on assertiveness of students before and after they are enrolled to the Faculty of Education to determine whether the lowered level of assertiveness is because of English as a medium of instruction and to introduce assertiveness skills training program intending to improve assertiveness of the first year Arts students.