Nobody tells us how…”: experiences of high schools Ecuadorian teachers with respect to the implementation of sexuality education as a Crosscurriculum 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.