Blog 4 and Reflection 4 (Theory)
The aim of this tutorial was to discuss the sensitive issue of teaching sexuality. The tutor explained that sexuality must be addressed according to specific stages of schooling, school policy, specific student needs and also specific to boys and girls. In this case, it was advised that boys and girls be split into separate classes to teach and discuss topics specific to gender, such as menstruation for girls, and erections for boys. Another important focus of this tutorial was dealing with challenging questions. Certain members of our tutorial discussed topics they were slightly uncomfortable teaching. It was advised that we put our own beliefs and preconceptions aside when teaching what is required, as it is vital for students to know about their body, sexuality, and be able to comfortably ask us sensitive questions. In the event that we do not know the answer to a question, we need to advise where to find the answer, or do some research and get back to them. Some teaching material children’s books were passed around such as Where Do I Come From which artistically illustrates stages of reproduction with corresponding literature for children to better learn the complexity of the entire process. Some of the images were debated as perhaps inappropriate for certain stages, however overall it was considered a valuable teaching aid. Some issues of homosexuality were included throughout, and my take home message was to possibly include more of this information during sex education so certain students feel they are not different and to reduce the likelihood of bullying.
The aim of this tutorial was to discuss the sensitive issue of teaching sexuality. The tutor explained that sexuality must be addressed according to specific stages of schooling, school policy, specific student needs and also specific to boys and girls. In this case, it was advised that boys and girls be split into separate classes to teach and discuss topics specific to gender, such as menstruation for girls, and erections for boys. Another important focus of this tutorial was dealing with challenging questions. Certain members of our tutorial discussed topics they were slightly uncomfortable teaching. It was advised that we put our own beliefs and preconceptions aside when teaching what is required, as it is vital for students to know about their body, sexuality, and be able to comfortably ask us sensitive questions. In the event that we do not know the answer to a question, we need to advise where to find the answer, or do some research and get back to them. Some teaching material children’s books were passed around such as Where Do I Come From which artistically illustrates stages of reproduction with corresponding literature for children to better learn the complexity of the entire process. Some of the images were debated as perhaps inappropriate for certain stages, however overall it was considered a valuable teaching aid. Some issues of homosexuality were included throughout, and my take home message was to possibly include more of this information during sex education so certain students feel they are not different and to reduce the likelihood of bullying.