Educação em sexualidade no modelo biopsicossocial: ampliando oportunidades de aprendizagem no 8º ano do ensino fundamental

Abstract

Sexuality education has a great relevance for student development. Despite this, it is a sensitive topic that is generally avoided in schools. Mostly, the model of sexuality education developed in schools is related to the biological-centered model, which addresses the morpho-physiological aspects of sexuality. The biopsychosocial model, however, covers social, emotional and cultural aspects of sexuality, allowing teaching connected to the students' reality. In this study, we analyze a didactic sequence based on the biopsychosocial model and developed in a state public school in the state of Minas Gerais in the Science classes at four groups of the 8th grade of elementary school. Data collection happened through participant observation of the classes, with notes in a field notebook, audio recording, as well as the activities carried out by the students. The results indicate that the students understand sexuality as a phenomenon related mainly by biological aspects. Throughout the sequence, we identified changes in such conceptions through learning opportunities related to the following aspects: i) self-discovery; ii) understanding and respect for others; iii) active search for knowledge; iv) recognition and change of behaviors considered inappropriate. The work shows pedagogical implications which seek to teach sexuality through the biopsychosocial model as a way to further develop students as collective and as individuals.