Strengthening Sexuality Education by adopting a participatory approach

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Future of Teaching and Education

Year: 2026

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Strengthening Sexuality Education by adopting a participatory approach

Prof. Dr. Christa Beyers

ABSTRACT:

Life Orientation teachers play a critical role in the teaching and learning of life skills, including sexuality education in South African schools. Using an experiential participatory approach with Life Orientation teachers, I explore how messages learnt about sex and sexuality inform teachers’ values in their teaching approach. If teachers want to develop learners as healthy individuals, teachers must acknowledge their own prejudices and opinions, as past and future events impact on teachers’ present behaviour and how they teach. I conclude with a framework for the teaching of sexuality education using participatory methods, which can support teachers in their aim to enhance the holistic development of learners.

Keywords: Life Orientation Teachers, Life-Space Model, Participatory, Sexuality Education