Introducing Human Sexuality into the Population Education Curriculum. The State-of-the-Art. Population Education Research Utilization Monograph Series 1 Part 3.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper explores one problem area that hampers the introduction and acceptance of sex education in schools. Specifically, the paper reviews problems related to the human sexuality component of population education programs in the Philippines. Research on the experiences of the Population Education Program (PEP) is discussed, as well as research from other population education programs in the Philippines and other countries. Topics discussed include appropriate content of human sexuality curricula, vocabulary, teacher competence, teaching aids, and parental involvement. Research has shown that there is little agreement about how early sex education should be introduced into the curriculum, but that most programs have similar content at each grade level. PEP and other programs cover family relationships in primary grades; human anatomy and reproduction in intermediate grades; and sexual relations, pregnancy, contraception, and parenthood in high school. Research indicates a dilemma over the use of scientific, popular, or euphemistic vocabulary in sex education classes. Teacher competence should be developed through high personal qualification standards, teacher training, and team or peer teaching. Audiovisual aids, particularly those about controversial topics, should be improved. Parental involvement should be encouraged through adult education classes, printed materials, and participation in their children's class activities. Abstracts of 16 resources conclude the report. (AV)