How can I effectively integrate sexuality education in my teaching practice in a grade 6 class? : a teacher's self-study.

Abstract

This dissertation reports on the self-study in which I, as a practicing educator, reflect on my attempts at integrating sexuality education across three learning areas in grade 6 class over a period of one semester. Through the anonymous questionnaire, my grade 6 learners identified issues around sexuality that they would have liked to be taught. From this exercise, I then conceptualized a curriculum unit integrating the issues they identified. The dissertation documents and reflects on the process of my self-study of the process we went through during the curriculum unit, particularly in relation to integration of the controversial and complex issues around sexuality. It is from this reflection that I offer lessons learned from the process regarding, for example, dealing with emotions of self-study, the importance of teacher lives, and the capabilities that learners have in being effective partners in the learning process.