Page 82 - EDUCON 2022 Book of Abstracts

Keywords: Natural Science, teaching, learning, teachers, quasi-
experimental research

18.Venketsamy, R, Zijing Hu, Jenny Kinnear, Teachers’ views, and
attitudes towards teaching comprehensive sexuality education in the
early grade: A South African Case Study
Background: The ongoing high rate of child abuse and sexual
violence has emphasised the need for a focused intervention education
programme for young learners. The aim is to protect learners from
sexual risks and harmful behaviours by making them aware of their
right to protection. South African teachers are required to teach
comprehensive sexuality education in their early-grade classrooms.
Aim: This paper explores teachers’ views and attitudes regarding the
teaching of comprehensive sexuality education.
Setting: This study was conducted at two schools in different districts
in the Gauteng province in South Africa, in an environment where rich
data could be solicited from the participants regarding their views and
attitudes.
Methods: A qualitative case study was conducted that included eight
(8) Foundation Phase female teachers from Grades 1-3. One focus
group interview was held with teachers in each of the two schools.
The analysis of interviews was examined through the lens of the
Behaviour-Determinant-Intervention (BDI) Logic Model.
Results: The data gathered showed that some teachers favor teaching
comprehensive sexuality education content while others are reluctant.
Teachers cited the following factors to be considered: age-appropriate
content, parents’ views, culture, and religion. All teachers agreed that
they needed training and development to teach the content to young
learners.
Conclusion: The South African curriculum must be aligned with the
ITGSE. Teachers need to be trained, detailed scripted lesson plans

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