A STUDY ON A STUDY OF THE OPINION OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS ON INCLUDING SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL.

PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE MUMBAI UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF EDUCATION BY NANDITA S. SHAH ROLL NO-74 UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF MRS. GEETA S. THAKUR

PILLAIS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH KHANDA COLONY, NEW PANVEL NAVI MUMBAI 2010-2011

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project report entitled A STUDY OF THE OPINION OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS ON INCLUDING SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL has been prepared by Miss Nandita S. Shah in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Bachelor Degree in Education of Mumbai University. It embodies materials collected and analyzed by the candidate under my guidance and it is hereby approved as indicating the proficiency of this candidate.

Mrs. Geeta S. Thakur

DECLARATION
I, Miss Nandita S. Shah, hereby declare that this project report written and submitted by me under the guidance of Prof. Geeta S. Thakur is my original work. I have not reproduced any parts from any report submitted to Mumbai University or any other universities this year or any of the previous years. I understand that such reproduction is liable for punishment in any way, the university may deem fit.

Place:Date:

Navi Mumbai 15th February 2011

Students name: Miss Nandita S. Shah

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Its a great pleasure to get the opportunity to write this project .I first of all thank Mumbai University for providing us this opportunity and including this in our syllabus . I thank my parents who have been a constant support throughout the research. I thank Dr. Sally Enos Madam our principal for all her support. I specially thank Mrs. Geeta S. Thakur Madam for being a wonderful guide as she guided me throughout the project. I also thank the Principal of, Dr. Pillais Global Academy, Mahatma School of Academics and Sports-CBSE, Mahatma School of academics and sports-State board, V.K. High School, & St. Josephs High School, new Panvel for giving me the permission to conduct the survey. Last but not the least, I thank our college, i.e. Pillais College of Education and Research for all the facilities i.e. teachers, good infrastructure, good library with all the required books with the help of which we could complete the project successfully.

INDEX
CHAPTER CONTENTS PAGE NO.

I II III IV V VI VII VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV

Introduction Statement of problem Methodology Need of the study Objective Operational definition Scope of the study Sample Tools employed for the study Analysis & interpretation tabular information Major findings of the study Suggestion Conclusion Bibliography Appendix I Appendix II

10-12 13 14 15,16 17 18 19 20 21 22-45 46,47 48 49 50 51-54 55

LIST OF TABLES Table No.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Table Name
In my opinion, students should information about sex from standard-be

Page No.
given 22,23

I feel it is important for teenagers to have proper 23,24 information about sex education. Children know about topics related to sex. 24,25

Students should be given total or partial information 25,26 about Sex. I face difficulties in teaching topic/content related to 26,27 sex. According to me students are very free to talk about 27,28 sex to __ In my opinion , sex education should be delivered to 28,29 students by__ Teachers should be given training to impart sex 29,30 education to students. I feel parents should also talk freely to their children 30,31 about sex. Sex education should be included in syllabus. 31,32

Giving information about sex to teenagers is an 32,33 advantage or disadvantage. Why? I am aware of the problems related to sex faced by 34,35
6

teenagers. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 I feel free to discuss about topics related to sex with 35,36 my children. Children know about topics related to sex. They get information about sex from __ 37 38

I feel it is important for teenagers to have proper 38,39 information about sex education. In my opinion, along with students, teachers and 39 parents should also be trained to give sex education. Sex education should be delivered to students by__ In my opinion, students should be information about sex from standard __ Sex education should be included in syllabus. 40

given 40,41 42

Students should be given total or partial information 42,43 about Sex. In my opinion sex education should be delivered to children__ 44

Giving information about sex to teenagers is an 45 advantage or disadvantage. Why?

LIST OF FIGURES

Table No.
1 2 3 4 5

Table Name

Page No.

In teachers opinion, students should be given 22 information about sex from standard-Teacher's view on giving proper information about 23 sex. Teachers view on Children knowing about topics related to sex 24

Teachers views on facing difficulties in teaching 25 topic/ content related to sex. Teachers views whether they should be given 26
8

training to impart sex education to students. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Teachers views on parents talking freely to their 27 children about sex. Teachers view on including sex education in the 28 syllabus. Students should have total or partial knowledge 29 about sex. According to teachers students are very free to talk 30 about sex toIn teachers opinion, sex education should be 31 delivered to students byGiving information about sex to teenagers is an 32 advantage or disadvantage. Parents are aware of the problems related to sex 34 faced by teenagers. Parents feel free to discuss about topics related sex 35 with my children. According to Parents, Children know about topics 36 related to sex. Parents feel it is important for teenagers to have 37 proper information about sex education. In opinion of the parents, along with students, 38 teachers and parents should also be trained to give sex education. According to parents, Sex education should be included in syllabus. 39

17 18 19

According to parents, Students should have total or 40 partial knowledge about sex. According to parents, children get information from 41 about sex from9

20 21 22 23

In parents opinion, students should be given 42 information about sex from standardAccording to parents, Sex education should be 43 delivered to students byIn parents opinion, sex education should be delivered to children at 44

According to parents, giving information about sex 45 to teenagers is an advantage or disadvantage-

INTRODUCTION
10

The youth of today is focused with modernization and it has brought a lot of negative consequences in their lives. Teens know what it is, they want it and they really dont know enough about it. It is SEX. Sex is not a silent topic now-a-days for teens. They find it something cool. With all confusing thoughts and with all the surroundings sex, and with all the adolescent hormones virtually ensuring that teenagers are obsessed with it, they need a safe out let to explore those thoughts and feelings without being judged. Todays young Indians are increasingly indulging in sexual activities. There is so much of exposure, thanks to the media, peer and westernization, which is not in accordance with our value system. The teens need a place to ask questions and get adequate answers, and unfortunately, many parents are not prepared to provide that atmosphere because of which they tend to end up with wrong things.

Providing basic information provides the foundation on which more complex knowledge is built up over time.
Sex education, the issue is one of the extreme importances for the whole of society as there are a number of critical factors that need to be taken into account. Sex education, which is sometimes called sexuality education or sex and relationships education, is the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education is also about developing young people's skills so that they make informed choices about their behavior, and feel confident and competent about acting on these choices. It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education. This is because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS. It is also argued that providing sex education helps to meet young peoples rights to information about matters that
11

affect them, their right to have their needs met and to help them enjoy their sexuality and the relationships that they form. Providing effective sex education can seem daunting because it means tackling potentially sensitive issues and involving a variety of people parents, schools, community groups and health service providers. However, because sex education comprises many individual activities, which take place across a wide range of settings and periods of time, there are lots of opportunities to contribute. The nature of a person's contribution depends on their relationship, role and expertise in relation to young people. For example, parents are best placed in relation to young people to provide continuity of individual support and education starting from early in their lives. School-based education programmes are particularly good at providing information and opportunities for skills development and attitude clarification in more formal ways, through lessons within a curriculum. Community-based projects provide opportunities for young people to access advice and information in less formal ways. Sexual health and other health and welfare services can provide access to specific information, support and advice. Sex education through the mass media, often supported by local, regional or national Government and non-governmental agencies and departments, can help to raise public awareness of sex health issues.

"Because sex education can take place across a wide range of settings, there are lots of opportunities to contribute."
Effective sex education also provides young people with an opportunity to explore the reasons why people have sex, and to think about how it involves emotions, respect for one self and other people and their feelings, decisions and bodies. Young people should have the chance to explore gender differences and how ethnicity and sexuality can influence people's feelings and options. They should be able to decide for themselves what the positive qualities of relationships
12

are. It is important that they understand how bullying, stereotyping, abuse and exploitation can negatively influence relationships. The circumstances and context available to parents and other sex educators are different from place to place. Practical or political realities in a particular country may limit people's ability to provide young people with comprehensive sex education combining all the elements in the best way possible. But the basic principles outlined here apply everywhere. By making our own contribution and valuing that made by others, and by being guided by these principles, we can provide more sex education that works and improve the support we offer to young people. All people, particularly those in their teens need to understand the potential consequences and pitfalls of being physically intimates with another person. They need to have an appreciation of and respect for the perspectives of others, such as those whose sexuality is different from their own. They need to be exposed to the issues and their responsibilities. Although its getting better, society still considers talking about sex taboo for young people. Everyone tries to scare teenagers with stories about AIDS and pregnancy, but no one explains to them the hormonal mechanisms that will cause them to experience entirely new feelings. In conclusion, the reason teens, and everyone else, is emotionally unprepared to talk about sex is that society considers it wrong to emotionally prepare people to talk about sex!

13

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

A STUDY OF THE OPINION OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS ON INCLUDING SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL.

14

METHODOLOGY

The methodology adapted by the researcher to study of study the opinion of parents and teachers on including sex education in the secondary school syllabus is through survey method. Survey researcher is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social research. The broad area of survey research compasses any measurement procedures that involve asking questions of respondents. A survey can be anything from a short paper and pencil feedback form to an intensive one - on one in depth interview.

15

NEED OF THE STUDY

Education and society go hand in hand and education aims at developing responsible citizens for the society. Therefore, it should aim at all round development of the child (not only intellectual but also emotional, social, physical & psychological). For the overall development of a child, knowledge of reproduction and its related topics in human beings is also essential. This knowledge should be introduced when they reach puberty. The study is requires as to find out whether parents are comfortable discussing sex, and prefer to hope that their children are figuring it out from other sources such as television, movies, their friends and school. This is a dangerous hit and miss method that leaves kids in the dark, and causes them to make in some cases disastrous mistakes.

1.

The study is needed to inculcate values of self worth among its students so that they have a high regard of themselves and so they can have self confidence and say no to sexual predators and to those who lure them.

2.

The study is needed so that students have a sense of moral values to know the values of life itself.

3. The study is needed so that students have education which include not only knowing the anatomy of body parts but how to take care and protect themselves and their issues regarding personal hygiene. 4. The study is needed to let the students know the importance of this sensitive topic and the consequences of physically abusing themselves.

16

5.

The study is needed to include opportunities for young people to develop skills, as it can be hard for them to act on the basis of only having information. The study is need so that it can serve as a guide for the youth and they can gather their act together. The study is needed so that sex does not remain a controversial topic any more. The study is needed so that Kids are not bombarded daily by the media with sexual topics and images. The study is needed to alert the parents to care about their children at the adolescence age, especially if they haven't taken the time to sit their kids down and explain consequences.

6.

7. 8.

9.

10.

The study is required so that it helps our kids make informed decisions regarding sex rather than we leave it up to the media, parents who either aren't comfortable or just simply refuse to discuss the topic, or our kids' friends.

The needs of this study is essential to know how much talking about sex is important for teachers and parents to theirs students and children.

17

OBJECTIVES

Sex education aims to reduce the risks of potentially negative outcomes from sexual behaviour. It also aims to contribute to young peoples positive experience of their sexuality by enhancing the quality of their relationships and their ability to make informed decisions over their lifetime. Sex education that works, by which we mean that it is effective is sex education that contributes to both these aims thus helping young people to be safe and enjoy their sexuality.

To find out the opinion of parents and teachers towards including sex education in secondary school with respect toSubject matter: What topics should be taught to children at school level related to sex? Instructional procedure: Who should teach about topics related to sex to student in School? Grade: From which grade students should be provided.

18

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION

STUDY

Study is time and effort spent in reading etc. to gain knowledge for detail analysis of a subject.

OPINION

A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof:

SEX

The sum of the structural and functional differences by whic hthe male and female are distinguished, or the phenomena o r behavior dependent on these differences.

EDUCATION

The knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process.

SECONDAR Y SCHOOL

A school that is intermediate in level between elementary school and college and that usually offers general, technical, vocational, or college-preparatory curricula.

19

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is delimited to the study of the opinion of parents and teachers on including sex education in secondary school. Any other basis of classification is not included in the present study. The present study is delimited to students of Panvel area. The students were limited to std.7TH, 8th & 9th.

The students of SSC board, CBSE board & IB SCHOOL are included in the present study.

20

SAMPLE

Sampling is a technique used in research which enables us to reach conclusion about a large group by gathering information from a smaller subgroup. The subgroup is called sample while the large group is called population. The sample selected for the study consists of science teachers of std. 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th and parents of children of higher secondary school. These teachers were from SSC, CBSE and IB schools and parents were of children going to state, CBSE schools. They were altogether 33 in number. The researcher selected 18 science teachers and 15 parents for study.

21

TOOLS EMPLOYED FOR THE STUDY

To study a problem we may use various devices the selection of the right tool is important for successful research. A questionnaire of 12 questions for teachers and students was made to assess the problem. The questionnaire for teachers and parents was made to know their opinion on including sex education in higher secondary schools. ADMINISTRATION OF TOOLS The investigator presented a copy of introduction from the College and sought permission from the principal of the institution. The investigator solicitated the co-operation of the respondents by explaining the purpose of the study to the students The investigator or researcher personally administered the tool to students of the institution after seeking their co-operation.

22

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION (SCIENCE TEACHERS) Table 1: Sr. No. 1 Figure 1: Question In my opinion, students should be given information about sex from standard 7th 30% 8th 47% 9th 23%

From the above figure we can see

30% of science teachers feel that students should be given information about sex from standard 7th. 47% of science teachers feel that students should be given information about sex from standard 8th. 23% of science teachers feel that students should be given information about sex from standard 9th.

It may be inferred that maximum teachers feel that students should be given information about sex from standard 8th. It may be because students at the age of 13-14 years are more matured and have the urge to know about topics related to sex more. Table 2: Sr. No. 2 Figure 2:
23

Question I feel it is important for the teenagers to have proper information about sex.

Yes 89%

No 11%

From the above table we can see 89% of science teachers feel that it is important for teenagers to have proper information about sex. 11% of science teachers still feel that it is not important for teenagers to have proper information about sex. It may be inferred that maximum number of science teachers feels that it is important for teenagers to have proper information about sex. It may be because in this present world where a large number of information is freely available it is very important to have the right kind of information which will help the students to make correct decision and will help them in future to solve their problems related to sex. Table 3: Sr. No. 3 Figure 3: Question Children know about topic related to sex. YES 89% NO 11%

From the above table we can see 89% of science teachers feel that children know about topics related to sex it is important for teenagers to have proper information about sex. 11% of science teachers still feel that children do know about topics related to sex. It may be inferred that maximum number of science teachers feel that children know about topics related to sex. It may be because children are, more exposed to media which has started revealing things related to sex openly, newspapers with
24

issues and causes related to sex which tempts the students more to read and know about it as sex is a new topic that they come across. Table 4: Sr. No. 4 Figure 4: Question I face difficulties in teaching topic/ content related to sex. YES 28% NO 72%

From the above table we can see 28% of science teachers that they face difficulties in teaching topic/content related to sex. 72% of teachers feel that they do not face difficulties in teaching topics related to sex. It may be inferred that maximum number of teachers does not find difficulties in teaching topic /content related to sex. It may be because the language to teach in the text book may be in a very simple way and children are already aware with the basic knowledge and information about sex. Table 5: Sr. No. 5 Question Teachers should be given training to impart sex education to students. YES NO

100%

Figure 5:

From the above figure we can see

25

100% of science teachers feel that they should be given training to impart sex education to students.

It may be inferred that all the teachers feel that they should be given training to impart sex education to children in class. It may be because talking about sex in very sensitive and treated as a hush topic till today. Though from figure 3 we can say that maximum teachers find it convenient to teach topics related to sex, they would like to make themselves more free, comfortable and confident to teach the topic. Table 6: Sr. No. 6 Question I feel parents should also talk freely to their children about sex. YES NO

100%

Figure 6:

From the above figure we can see 100% of science teachers feel the parents should be free to talk to their children about sex. It may be inferred that all the teachers feel that parents should be free to talk to their children about sex. It may be because this will help the children to feel free to ask about their problems related to sex to their parents and will not have to seek help from others to solve their problems. Table 7: Sr. No. Question
26

YES

NO

Sex Education should be included in syllabus.

89%

11%

Figure 7:

From the above figure we can see 89% of the science teachers feel that sex education should be included in the syllabus. 11% of the science teachers feel that sex education should not be included in the syllabus. It may be inferred that maximum numbers of science teachers feel that sex education should be included in the syllabus. It may be because this will help the students to have basic knowledge of what it sex all about and what are the things related to it. This will help them to solve their curiosity and questions related to sex. Table 8: Sr. No. 8 Question Students should have total or partial knowledge about sex. Total Partial

39%

61%

Figure 8:

From the above figure we can see 61% of science teachers feel that students should have partial knowledge about sex. 39% of science teachers feel that students should have total knowledge about sex.
27

It may be inferred that maximum numbers of science teachers feel that students should be imparted partial knowledge about sex. It may be because total knowledge about sex may also work as a disadvantage for the students because total information may also lead them to the wrong direction. Table 9: Sr. No. 9 Question According to me students are very free to talk about sex toTeachers Friends Parents

89%

11%

Figure 9:

From the above figure we can see 89% of science teachers feel that students are free to talk to their friends about sex. None of the science teachers feel that students are free to talk to teachers about sex. 11% of science teachers feel that students are free to talk to their parents about sex. It may be inferred that maximum numbers of science teachers feel that students are freer to talk about sex to their friends. It may be because the society does not allow talking about sex freely so children find it convenient to talk about it to their friends which may give them partial knowledge about what they want to know. Table 10: Sr. No. Questions
28

Teachers

NGOs

Experts Parents

10

In my opinion, sex education should be delivered to students by-

22%

67%

11%

Figure 10:

From the above figure we can see 22% of science teachers feel that sex education should be delivered to students by teachers. 67% of science teachers feel that sex education should be delivered to students by experts. 11% of science teachers feel that sex education should be delivered to students by parents. It may be inferred that maximum numbers science teachers feel that sex education to students should be delivered by the experts. It may be because knowledge given by the experts will help the students to solve their problems related to sex in a proper manner and be helpful in future. They will also be free to ask their queries to them freely rather than asking their teachers. Table 11: Sr. No. 11 Question Giving information about sex to teenagers is an advantage or disadvantage. Why? YES NO

100%

Figure 11:

From the above figure we can see

29

100% science teachers feel that it is an advantage to give information about sex to students.

It can be inferred that all the science teachers feel that it is an advantage to impart sex education to students. It may be because it will help them to satisfy their curiosity, help them to lead to a right way and help them to understand what it is.

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

30

(PARENTS of Std. 7th, 8th & 9th) Table 12: Sr. No. 12 Question I am aware of the problems related to sex faced by teenagers. YES NO

80%

20%

Figure 12:

From the above figure we can see 80% of parents say that they are aware of the problems related to sex faced by the teenagers. 20% of parents say that they are not aware of the problems related to sex faced by the teenagers. It may be inferred that maximum number of parents are aware of the problems related to sex faced by the teenagers. It may be because parents know what urges teenagers at this age and how much they want to know about it. Table 13: Sr. No. 13 Question I feel free to discuss about topics related sex with my children. YES NO

33%

67%

Figure 13:

From the figure we can see

31

67% of parents are free to discuss topics related to sex with their children. 33% of parents are not free to discuss topics related to sex with their children.

It may be inferred that maximum parents are free to discuss topics related to sex with their children. It may be because they are aware what problems related to sex their children may go through and they want to satisfy it. Table 14: Sr. No. 14 Question Children know about topics related to sex. YES 40% NO 60%

Figure 14:

From the above figure we can see 60% of the parents say that children do not know about topics related to sex. 40% of the parents say that children know about topics related to sex.

It may be inferred that maximum parents feel that children do not know about topics related to sex. It may be because children do not talk to their parents about topics related to sex.

Table 15: Sr. No. 15 Question I feel it is important for teenagers to have proper information about sex education.
32

YES

NO

100%

Figure 15:

From the above figure we can see 100% parents feel that it is important for the teenagers to have proper information about sex. It may be inferred that all the parents feel that proper knowledge and information about sex to the teenagers will help them to satisfy their curiosity and help them know what sex exactly is.

Table 16: Sr. No. 16 Question In my opinion, along with students, teachers and parents should also be trained to give sex education. YES NO

93%

7%

Figure 16:

From the above figure we can see

93% parents feel that along with along with students, teachers and parents should also be trained to give sex education. 7% parents feel that along with along with students, teachers and parents should not be trained to give sex education.

It may be inferred that maximum number of parents feel that along with students, teachers and parents should also be trained to give sex education. It may be
33

because it will help both parents and teachers to speak and discuss about topics related to sex freely to children and give them the space to be free to them to discuss that same. Table 17: Sr. No. 17 Question Sex education should be included in syllabus. YES 87% NO 13%

Figure 17:

From the above figure we can see 87% of parents feel that sex education should be included in the syllabus. 13% of parents feel that sex education should not be included in the syllabus. It may be inferred that maximum number of parents feel that sex education should be included in the syllabus. It may be because parents feel that this will give them proper and important knowledge and lead them to the right way.

Table 18: Sr. No. 18 Question Students should have total or partial knowledge about sex. Total Partial

27%

73%

Figure 18:

34

From the above figure we see 27% of parents feel that students should have total knowledge about sex. 73% of parents feel that students should have partial knowledge about sex.

It may be inferred that maximum numbers of parents feel that students should be imparted partial knowledge about sex. It may be because total knowledge about sex may also work as a disadvantage for the students as total information may also lead them to the wrong direction.

Table 19: Sr. No. 19 Question They get information from about sex fromInternet Friend s 53% Both 47%

Figure 19:

From the above figure we can see 53% of parents feel that teenagers get information about sex from friends. None of the parents feel that teenagers get information about sex from internet. 47% of parents feel that teenagers get information about sex from both friends and internet. It may be inferred that maximum numbers of parents feel that teenagers get information about sex from friends as well as internet. It may be because teenagers are not very free to ask, talk or discuss with their parents about topics related to sex

35

and find someone of their age to talk to them about it or take the help of internet where they get lots of information about it. Table 20: Sr. No. 20 Question In my opinion, students should be given information about sex from standard7th 8th 9th

13%

47%

40%

Figure 20:

From the above figure we can see

13% of parents feel that students should have sex education from 7th Std. 40% of parents feel that students should have sex education from 8th Std. 47% of parents feel that students should have sex education from 9th Std.

It may be inferred that maximum parents feel that students should have sex education from std. 8 or 9. It may be because students at the age of 13-14 yrs, become more matured and can understand things better. Table 21: Sr No. 21 Questions Sex education should be delivered to students byTeachers NGOs Experts Parents

34%

33%

33%

Figure 21:

From the above figure

36

34% of parents feel that sex education should be delivered by teachers to students. 33% of parents feel that sex education should be delivered by experts to students. 33% of parents feel that sex education should be delivered by parents to students. None of the parents feel that sex education should be delivered by NGOs to students.

It may be inferred that maximum numbers of parents feel that sex education should be delivered to students by teachers. It may be because Table 22: Sr. No. 21 Question In my opinion, sex education should be delivered to childrenAt school 67% Home

33%

Figure 22:

From the above figure we can see 67% parents say that sex education should be delivered to children at school. 33% parents say that sex education should be delivered to children at home.

It may be inferred that maximum parents feel that sex education to students should be delivered at school. It may be because they feel the teachers can explain about it better with full information and knowledge. They may be free to ask their queries to teachers more than their parents. Table 23:
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Sr. No. 22

Questions Giving information about sex to teenagers is an advantage or disadvantage. Why?

YES

NO

100%

Figure 23:

From the above figure we can see 100% parents feel that it is an advantage to give information about sex to students. It can be inferred that all the parents feel that it is an advantage to impart sex education to students. It may be because it will help them to satisfy their curiosity, help them to lead to a right way and help them to understand what it is.

MAJOR FINDINGS OF STUDY

The present study deals with the opinion of parents and teachers on including sex education in secondary school. The research helped the researcher to find that both the teachers and the parents feel that sex education is an advantage for the students. The researcher also found that both the teachers and the parents feel that sex education should be included in the syllabus.

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 The research also helped the researcher to find that, according to both parents and teachers it is important to impart knowledge about sex to students but partially. It was found by the researcher that teachers feel that students get maximum knowledge of sex from their friends and parents feel they get both from friends and internet. The research also helped the researcher to find that the teachers feel that sex education should be delivered by the experts and the parents feel that it should be delivered by the teachers.

The researcher also found that parents feel it the best time to impart sex education when the child is in 8th or 9th.

The researcher also found that both teachers and the parents feel that along with students, teachers and parents should also be given training to impart sex education. The research helped the researcher to find that according to teachers, parents should be free to talk to their children about topics related to sex. The researcher also found that now- a- days teachers do not find difficulty in teaching topics related to sex as students maximum numbers of students are know about topics related to sex. The researcher also found that maximum parents feel that sex education should be delivered at school only.

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SUGGESSTIONS

From the above findings it can be suggested that

Sex education should be included in the secondary school syllabus. Students should be given sex education from STD. 8th - 9th. It is also suggested that only basic knowledge about sex should be included in the syllabus which can satisfy the students curiosity at that age. Parents and teachers should be free to speak to their children and students about topics related to sex. Students and should give enough space to discuss about topics related to sex so that they dont have to seek help of friend to discuss on it. Experts should be called to schools to deliver sex education at least once in the school.
40

It is also suggested that teachers and parents should also be trained to impart sex education to children and students.

Sex education should be given specially in school.

The content in the topic of sex should be framed in such a manner that students and teachers should be comfortable to discuss about it.

CONCLUSION
From the above research it can be concluded that

Students need space from their teachers and parents so that they can discuss their problems related to sex freely. Maximum parents want sex education to be given to children only at school and by their teachers. Teachers want sex education to be given by the expert team. about sex to children.

Both teachers and parents should be given training to impart knowledge

Maximum students are free to talk to their friends about topics related to sex. Parents and teachers feel that students should be given only partial and basic information about sex.

Teachers and parents should be free to talk about sex to their students and children.
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BIBLOGRAPHY

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/secondary+school http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2004/01/what-do-parents-wanttaught-in-sex-education-programs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_education http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=C0CC93DF43D1659 5C6B439F689283EA4.inst2_3a?docId=5001371923

ww.ajol.info/index.php/ejc/article/viewFile/52684/41289

http://privateschool.about.com/cs/choosingaschool/a/singlesex.htm http://her.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/4/481.full http://www.schoolfile.com/AIDSreport/reports.htm http://www.answers.com/topic/sex-education

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APPENDIX I
PILLAIS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH Action Research Project: 2010-11 A STUDY ON THE OPINION OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS ON INCLUDING SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL.
FOR PARENTS (Please put check ( ) on the space that corresponds to what you are actually doing, think and feeling regarding the statement.) 1. I am aware of the problems related to sex faced by teenagers. YES ___________ NO ___________

2.

I feel free to discuss about topics related to sex with my children. YES ___________ NO ___________ Children know about topics related to sex. YES ___________ NO ___________ They get information about sex from __ 1. INTERNET ______ 2. FRIENDS___________ 3 BOTH___________ I feel it is important for teenagers to have proper information about sex education. YES ___________ NO __________

3.

4.

1.

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2.

In my opinion, along with students, teachers and parents should also be trained to give sex education. YES ___________ NO ___________ Sex education should be delivered to students by__ 1. Teachers_______ 2. NGOs ______ 3. Experts _______

3.

4. Parents______

1.

In my opinion, students should be given information about sex from standard __ 1. 7th onwards _______ 2. 8th onwards _______ 3. 9th onwards ______ Sex education should be included in syllabus. YES ___________ NO ___________ Students should be given total or partial information about Sex. 1. TOTAL _________ 2. PARTIAL __________ In my opinion sex education should be delivered to children__ At school _______ At Home_________ Giving information about sex to teenagers is an advantage or disadvantage. Why? _____________________________________________________________________________ _

1.

2.

1.

2.

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PILLAIS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH Action Research Project: 2010-11 A STUDY ON THE OPINION OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS ON INCLUDING SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL.
(Please put check ( ) on the space that corresponds to what you are actually doing, think and feeling regarding the statement.) FOR Science TEACHERS 1. 2. I teach up to _________________________standard. In my opinion, students should be given information about sex from standard _______onwards. I feel it is important for teenagers to have proper information about sex education. YES ___________ NO ___________ Children know about topics related to sex. YES ___________ NO ___________ Students should be given total or partial information about Sex. 1. TOTAL _________ 2. PARTIAL __________ I face difficulties in teaching topic/content related to sex. YES ___________ NO ___________
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3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

According to me students are very free to talk about sex to __ 1. Teachers ________ 2. Friends _______ 3. Parents ______ In my opinion , sex education should be delivered to students by__ Teachers_______ 2. NGOs ______ 3. Experts _______ 4. Parents Teachers should be given training to impart sex education to students. YES ___________ NO ___________ I feel parents should also talk freely to their children about sex. YES ___________ NO ___________

1.

2.

3.

4.

Sex education should be included in syllabus. YES ___________ NO ___________ Giving information about sex to teenagers is an advantage or disadvantage. Why?

5.

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