Life skills keeping it real: Investigating the impact and outcomes of a high school sexual health unit of study

This mixed methods case study of one urban secondary health education classroom of students examined the impact and outcomes of a pilot sexual health education unit of study. This study documented the impact of using concept mapping, portfolios and supervised electronic classroom discussions in student knowledge and attitudes associated with sexual health education. Scant research exists that examined how the learning symbiosis between peers is affected when it is given a formal structure and placed in the context of sexual health education. Data were collected from one health education classroom and involved 13 students aged 15-17. The course was taught by a health education resource teacher. Data sources include classroom observations and exchanges, and artifacts which are representative of the participant observer, teacher, and students. The data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Results indicate that knowledge improved but it was statistically insignificant. Positive changes in attitude were statistically significant. Overall the study indicates that the sexual health unit of study strongly impacts the choices that teens make with respect to risk taking behavior. Curriculum, if properly applied, can change the attitudes and knowledge of students which could lead to changes in behaviors which improve health.