ABSTRACT
To a certain degree, stress can play a motivating role in learning. However, too much pressure can create burnout in students, which, in turn, will inhibit student learning. Early detection of stress is vital to navigating situations that can perpetuate student burnout. ECTE curriculum involves a lot of music and art classes. The learning environment is also built on fun learning principles that are the core of early childhood education. Exposure to fun learning principles and activities does not prevent students from experiencing stress. This study surveys potential tension in the learning environment of early childhood teacher education (ECTE) program, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. We surveyed 49 students of the class of 2014–16 using questionnaires. The result shows that 60% of students experienced burnout. The symptoms that they experienced were loss of motivation and cognitive exhaustion. This research also identifies factors by which the students felt the most pressure. Lack of English language proficiency and the high financial cost of study are perceived to be the most significant causes of students’ stress leading to burnout.
