“Nobody tells us how…”: experiences of high schools Ecuadorian teachers with respect to the implementation of sexuality education as a Cross-curriculum approach

ABSTRACT

Although in various contexts it is mandatory for teachers to address sexuality education (SE) as a cross-curriculum approach of the school curriculum, its implementation represents a particular circumstance which implies certain complexities. In order to delve into the way SE is addressed, this study aimed to explore the experiences of teachers in Ecuador who work with adolescents with regard to the implementation of SE as a cross-curriculum approach. This qualitative study used a semi-structured interview in which a total of 15 teachers participated. The information was analysed using Thematic Analysis and the results are presented in three themes. The findings of this study show that, for teachers it is difficult to implement SE as a cross-curriculum approach axis of the school curriculum syllabus as stipulated by official laws. Although teachers recognise the importance of working on SE, there is no a clear awareness of SE as part of their responsibilities. As such, the lack of guidelines or support and the scant preparation provided, together with the fact that personal constructs of sexuality and SE are basically built on negative views, eventually lead teachers to an improvised implementation of this subject in schools.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexuality education
• cross-curriculum subject
• high school
• teachers
• Ecuador
• qualitative study

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the teachers that participated in the study for their valuable information that was provided in the data collection process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Geolocation information

Cuenca-Ecuador is the third biggest city in Ecuador and is located in the Andean region in the South of Ecuador.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University (anonymous for blind revision)

Notes on contributors

Jessica Castillo-Nuñez

Jessica Castillo-Nuńez Educational Psychologist. Magister of Science in Educative Studies by Ku Leuven (Belgium). PhD in Educational Sciences by Ghent University (Belgium). Full time Senior Professor at the University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Ana Cevallos-Neira

Ana Cevallos-Neira researcher in the HumSex Project at the University of Cuenca. She received her Master degree in Sex Education at the University of Cuenca. Her research interest areas focus on sex education and relationships.

Nancy Arpi-Becerra

Nancy Arpi-Becerra Psychologist. Magister in Educational Management. PhD candidate in education by the Universidad Nacional La Plata (Argentina). Researcher at the University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Silvia López-Alvarado

Silvia López-Alvarado Educational Therapeutic Psychologist. Master in Adolescents’ Development. Postgraduate diploma in Adolescents’ Sexual approach. PhD candidate in Biomedical Sciences by the KU Leuven (Belgium). Lecturer and Researcher at the Univerisy of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Elena Jerves-Hermida

Elena Jerves-Hermida Educational Psychologist. Magister in Educational Management. PhD in Bio-medical Sciences by the KU Leuven (Belgium). Full Professor at the University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador.