A major change which has taken place in Singapore is the introduction of full-time teacher training programs to replace part-time programs. This study compared characteristics and motives for teaching of full-time students admitted into the teacher education program in 1981 with those of part-time students of the late 1960s. A background of the study is presented, including details on general social conditions in Singapore, education-related conditions, studies of teacher characteristics, social origins of teachers, and motives for teaching. Study methodology described include study population and respondents (N=491, 87 percent of population), the 2-part questionnaire examining background information and motives for teaching, and data collection and analysis. Among results discussed in this report are: (1) family occupational background of teacher education students; (2) teaching experience; (3) age when career choice was made; (4) guidance sought im making career choice; (5) firmness of career choice; (6) relatives with teaching backgrounds; and (7) influences affecting career choice, including working with children, financial difficulties, alternatives to teaching careers, vacation possibilities, challenge of teaching, and interest in teaching. The questionnaire and a bibliography are included. (CJB)