Lectures, group discussions help train future sexuality educators.

SIECUS Rep 28(6):25-6 (2000) PMID 12322611

Many college sexuality courses combine lectures with small group discussions as a way to personalize the large lecture class. This traditional two-tiered model provides opportunities for many health education students to acquire training and practical experience in sexuality education. However, not every college can offer this model due to curricular or faculty constraints. This paper introduces a one-semester, single-tier model in which discussion group leadership is shared by group members, with each group member leading one activity. Developed by Dr. Lyndall A. Ellingson, assistant professor at California State University-Chico, this model successfully meets the three course objectives of delivering introductory content, facilitating values clarification, and providing training in peer sexuality education all in a single semester. A most notable limitation of the model is the inability to select discussion leaders based on character traits important for successful sexuality and sexual diversity.