Preservice teachers' perceptions and level of preparation towards sexual education: Implications for teacher education

This research was conducted with the aim of examining the perceptions and preparation of teacher candidates regarding sexual education, in order to explore their implications for teacher education. The study employed the phenomenology design, which is one of the qualitative research methods suitable for the research questions. The research was carried out with a total of 12 volunteer teacher candidates studying in the 2nd and 4th grades of Preschool Teaching, Science Teaching, and Guidance and Psychological Counseling programs at Hacettepe University Faculty of Education during the 2022-2023 academic year. The data, collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher, were analyzed using descriptive analysis method. As a result of data analysis, 13 themes were identified, including the definition of sexual education, the current status of receiving sexual education courses, teacher candidates' knowledge and experiences related to sexual education, recommendations for the effectiveness of sexual education courses, the presence of sexual education courses in teacher education, the competency level in teaching the topics of sexual education, the topics of sexual education, individuals who can provide sexual education, the age of sexual education, pre-service teacher needs regarding sexual education courses, challenges in teaching sexual education topics, an ideal sexual education program, and other aspects. Based on the findings, it was concluded that teacher candidates have insufficient perception and preparedness regarding sexual education due to the absence of sexual education courses in their teacher education program. Therefore, the research highlights the need to integrate sexual education into teacher education programs in order to address this issue. The results of this research are expected to contribute to the promotion of sexual education in teacher education programs, future studies on sexual education, and the existing literature in the field in Turkey.