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Human Reproduction in Greek Secondary Education Textbooks (1870s to Present)

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Current Research in Biology Education

Part of the book series: Contributions from Biology Education Research ((CBER))

Abstract

Research with students of different ages shows that they bring several misconceptions related to human reproduction into the classroom. Inadequate knowledge concerning the reproductive system has been linked with risks such as STDs and unintended pregnancies. Considering the fact that textbooks determine largely what is learned in school, in this paper we explore the Greek secondary education textbooks from the late nineteenth century to present in regards to: (i) reproductive anatomy; (ii) reproductive physiology; (iii) reproductive health; and (iv) sexual behaviour. We reviewed 113 textbooks used in biology and anthropology classes and investigated the ones that included units of human reproduction. The analysis of six textbooks show that (a) in most textbooks the external female genitalia are not mentioned, (b) most textbooks mention the different stages of reproduction (sperm production, egg production and fertilization) and describe them with few or more details, (c) most textbooks mention testosterone and estradiol as the hormones which induce the development of secondary sex characteristics, (d) most textbooks do not discuss birth control and contraception methods, and (e) sexuality is implied in only one textbook. Relevant literature is discussed focusing on heteronormativity, sex-dualistic conceptualization of steroid hormones and taboos connected with reproduction.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece

    Georgios Ampatzidis

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Anastasia Armeni

Authors
  1. Georgios Ampatzidis
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  2. Anastasia Armeni
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Correspondence to Georgios Ampatzidis .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

    Konstantinos Korfiatis

  2. School of Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

    Marcus Grace

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Ampatzidis, G., Armeni, A. (2022). Human Reproduction in Greek Secondary Education Textbooks (1870s to Present). In: Korfiatis, K., Grace, M. (eds) Current Research in Biology Education. Contributions from Biology Education Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89480-1_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89480-1_20

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-89479-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-89480-1

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