Teachers’ experiences of teaching sexual education among senior phase learners in rural primary schools of the Soutpansberg West Circuit
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Date
2024
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University of Zululand
Abstract
Sexuality Education was introduced to avert high rates of HIV, unwanted pregnancy, and gender-based violence among learners. However, these challenges are still persistent in rural-based schools regardless of Sexuality Education offered at schools. The aim of this study was to explore teachers’ experiences of teaching Sexuality Education among senior phase learners in rural primary and secondary schools of the Soutpansberg West Circuit in order to develop a guideline to enhance effective teaching. The study was underpinned by systems theory. The study was conducted in two phases. First phase one is situational analysis aimed at understanding the teachers’ experiences of teaching Sexuality Education among senior phase learners in schools of the Soutpansberg West Circuit. This phase was achieved by conducting a qualitative study using Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews from 14 criterion-purposively selected teachers and analysed following Collaizi’s seven steps for data analysis. The findings indicated that teachers have both negative and positive perceptions towards Sexuality Education, which in turn affect how they offer Sexuality Education. The findings further highlighted several factors that affect the effectiveness of Sexuality Education, such as considering Sexuality Education as taboo, lack of adequate knowledge and skills among teachers, cultural beliefs, religious beliefs, how Life orientation is viewed as a subject, and the views of learners and parents regarding Sexuality Education. Phase two of the study focused on developing and presenting the guidelines for enhancing the effectiveness of Sexuality Education in Soutpansberg West Circuit. The guideline was developed following the process highlighted by De Leo, Bloxsome, and Bayes, and the World Health Organisation. The guideline focuses on enhancing approaches used for Sexuality Education, addressing the factors that affect Sexuality Education teachers’ perceptions of Sexuality Education. The scope was based on the study objectives and critical study findings. The findings and developed guidelines can contribute to improving Sexuality Education curriculum in rural areas, offering of Sexuality Education, and increasing the effectiveness of Sexuality Education.
Description
Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Social Science at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2024].