PROSPECTIVE GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE GEOGRAPHY PROFESSION I: INTELLECTUAL FEATURES AND EMPLOYMENT STATUS
This study aims to investigate geographer perceptions of geography teacher candidates. A semi-structured interview form was used to teacher candidates’ perceptions about cognitive features and studies of geographers. A qualitative method was used in the study that consisted of 74 geography teacher candidates. The data was analyzed by using inductive content analysis method. As a result of the study, geography teacher candidates’ perceptions about geographers’ cognitive features were divided into four categories as personal characteristics, thinking shape, geographic principles, and mental types. Studies of geographers included six categories that were land studies, geographic inquiry studies, professional development studies, map studies, graphic and diagram studies, and educational studies. Teacher candidates also pointed that geographers’ workspaces were mainly places that includes interaction of human and nature, all of the Earth, and no limit. Objects that were used by geographers were maps, sphere, compass, computer, collection of geographic maps, photo camera, and hammer of geologist. Half of the geography teacher candidates pointed that there was no limit of working hours of geographers. Besides, 63.5% emphasized that geographers were happy.

Keywords
Geography education, geographer perception, geography teacher candidates, mental feature, study case