Sexuality education in schools : you don't have to be an expert

Authors

G Schroeder, Family Planning Queensland

Abstract

Sexuality education is a curriculum responsibility of all teachers and a rewarding area in which to teach. It is a critically important part the curriculum if teachers are to help students develop the skills to form healthy and safe relationships, provide positive and factual information about their bodies and how to care for their health as they grow. There are three steps teachers can take to prepare for sexuality education: first, plan a comprehensive education program; second, prepare the delivery of a program by considering active learning strategies, techniques to respond to student questions and reflecting on inclusive learning techniques; and third, prepare the evaluation of an education program which enhances the delivery of a program and assists with identifying student learning needs and future program planning, taking the teacher back to the first step. Evaluation of sexuality education programs can take many forms and involve the whole school community - parents or carers, teaching staff and students - participating or being otherwise connected with the program. Evaluation allows students to reflect on the knowledge, values, skills, beliefs and attitudes they have explored, and to have input into content and teaching strategies used in the program. For teachers, evaluation is an opportunity to reflect on the program, prepare for future programs and use student feedback to modify and deliver future programs to better meet the learning needs and interests of students. [Author abstract, ed]

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