Time to think forward to 2009

It has been a while since I posted a message. The program is going well as we prepare for 2009. We are currently taking applications for 2009 semester 1. I would love to hear from any of you who are interested. Feel free to email me (P.Weerakoon@usyd.edu.au).

Looking back on 2008: What have been the highlights of the year?

Firstly, It is exciting to have students from so may parts of the globe. We have students from USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Egypt, Malta, Cyprus, South Africa, New Zealand and of course all states of Australia.

Secondly, it is exciting to see the work our research students are doing. The main areas of research are

• Sexuality and Disability
• Sexual Health Education
• Cultural and Religious factors and their effect on sexuality and sexual behaviour.

So as we draw 2008 to a close - heres wishing you our readers a Blessed Christmas and a safe and happy holiday

The Joys of Sex

This is the most exciting time of semester. We are in week three and the on-line students are getting to know each other. The research students meanwhile are getting their teeth into the juicy meat of sex research!
Our on-line program is based on three foundational principles:
1. Constructivist learning: The focus is on you the learner and we act as a 'coach on the side' rather than the 'sage on the stage'. The students are encouraged to bring your own experiences and knowledge - and build on these.
2. Collaboration: The on-line environment provides the perfect environment for group discussions and chats (although many do manage to catch up for face to face meetings).
3. Community: Ever since we started this program, we have a community of sexual health professionals across the world. Not just students, also professionals, therapists researchers and educators from around the globe.
Heres hoping for many more wonderful years of learning and research
Feel free to contact me anytime
Patricia Weerakoon
P.Weerakoon@usyd.edu.au

Congratulations to Allison Macbeth

Allison’s research on “Parents attitudes and perceptions towards sex education in schools is in the news this week.

Check out the newspaper articles at:
Herald Sun:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23720526-662,00.html
Sciences Alert:
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20082005-17345.html

She has also had a number of radio interviews, including ABC Radio

Key findings from her on-line questionnaire:
97 per cent of parents supported sex education in schools.
Of those, all believed puberty, correct names for genitals and dealing with peer pressure to have sex should be part of the curriculum.
98 per cent said Safe sex and birth control should be included.
97 per cent thought communication about sex, sex as part of a loving relationship and sexual decision making should be included.
90 per cent backed teaching about masturbation
83 per cent wanted sexual pleasure and orgasm on the agenda.
32 per cent rated abstinence very important in school sex education classes.

Would you like to participate in our on-line surveys? Check out:

http://www.usyd.edu.au/sexualhealth/online/index.shtml

Sexual Health Conference End November

Here is the big news!

"Sexual Health, Pleasure and Rights: The Australian Response"

The Bi Annual ASSERT and GPSH conference
When: November 29th-30th 2008
Where: Sydney University Camperdown Campus

This will be a wonderful time to hear expert panels on cutting edge issues in sexual health as well as meet up with your peers, colleagues and friends.

The Graduate Program in Sexual Health will celebrate our 5th year anniversary at the conference.

Watch this space for updates.
Patricia

My second life

Hello all
Many of you may know that I am involved in public speaking in the Christian circuit. This Saturday (12th April) I will be speaking at Annandale Community Church (Christians in the Media) at 9.30 am.
Do drop in and say hello - if you are in Sydney.

Check the web site for details:
http://www.christiansinthemedia.org/pdf/080412_Stoking_the_fires.pdf

Patricia

Well into semester 1 and all well in Sexual Health

This has been a good year for the Graduate Program in Sexual Health.
In the coursework componant the students all seem to have settled well and are enjoying their study.
The reseaarch students are likewise progressing well. We have Vijay Ramanathan starting his PhD on Men's perceptions of sexual function and dysfunction. Frances Darcy Tehan and Elizabeth Riley are moving forward with their research.

We have three main streams of research we plan to develop in 2008-2009:
1. Sexuality in the older adult
2. Sexuality and Disability.
3. Sexuality Education across the lifespan.
Please contact us if you are interested in joining us to work in these areas.

Please check ur on-line research page:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/sexualhealth/online/surveys.shtml

Till we meet again
Patricia

The Start of a new year

Semester 1 starts on the 3rd March - Monday.
I feel excited, anxious, aprehensive and very honoured to be the academic coordinator of this program and be able to start >30 students on their journey of learning in sexual health.
Today we had an on-line orientation - we used a software called Adobe Connect - I could sit at home at 7 am with a cup of coffee and share my desk top with students in Australia, Malta and South Africa - amazing.
In the process of setting a "good time" I forgot the time difference in Perth - ooops - Perth students were up early at 5 am!
We have had the usual pre-semester crisis - but we are ready for a great and exciting semester!
Are you interested in joining us for 2009? Do let me know.
Patricia

Working our way through January!

Dear readers
January is a low month for many academics and university departments, but not for the sex team!
We have been busy getting in touch with our students and making sure they all have their program for the year well planned.
We are also working on the Web CT sites - which have to be ready by the end of January.
In addition we are developing a Web CT "Mentors" site and getting a heap of research organised for 2008!
My dear program manager Lata Britto is a pillor of patience, and my colleagues Russell Shuttleworth and Gomathi Sitharthan so tolerant of my rantings and ravings....
I plan a 2 week holiday in February - so if any of you readers are in the wonderful land of the long white cloud, the Kiwi, the Haka and the Allblacks and want to talk - let me know.
Take care till we meet again
Patricia

Looking forward to an exciting new year

Hello all and welcome to my first message for 2008.
I believe 2008 will be an exciting one for the Graduate Program in Sexual Health.

Why do I feel that way?

Firstly we have >30 students starting this semester in the coursework program. We are all thrilled at the diversity of their backgrounds both professionally and geographically. The on-line discussions and chats are going to be very interesting indeed. I can't wait for the 3rd March.

Secondly, this year (for the first time) we are setting up a mentoring system for new students. Our alumni and senior students have been very generous in signing up to be mentors. Bless you all......we need a few more - so if any of you are reading this blog, please contact me.

Finally this is promising to be a very productive year in terms of research. We have a couple of very interesting international initiatives happening. Also our students are doing some really good on-line research.
Check out:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/sexualhealth/online/index.shtml
I will keep you posted on our other research activities during 2008.
Keep well and happy
Patricia