Potentials of action-oriented sex education projects in the development of action competence

Abstract

Participatory and action-orientated sex education projects were carried out in 15 preparatory and secondary schools in the north of Portugal. This involved three hundred and fifty students from the 7th to the 12th grades. The main objectives were to analyse the level of students’ participation in the project phases and the student’s action competence. The research techniques used were field notes, semi-structured group interviews and documental analysis of material put online by students regarding their projects, online class diaries and discussion e-forums.The results of this study revealed that by using this educational approach, these students: worked on the four dimensions of action-oriented knowledge; used a positive and broad concept regarding sexual health; developed visions aimed at the causes of the problems; actions were carried out in partnership with specialists that involved their parents and their colleagues. 5. most of the students perceived themselves as having a high level of participation in the project.