Lorel Mayberry
Supervisors:
- Supervisor: Professor Rosemary Coates
- Co-supervisors: Dr Ernie Stringer and D=526">Dr Gareth Merriman
Background:
For two decades, Lorel has worked at WA universities as a lecturer in health education and sexology. Lorel specialises in the teaching of the controversial issues. She wears many hats including previously coordinating the statewide sexual health education training with the curriculum materials – ‘Growing and developing healthy relationships' (a joint initiative of Departments of Health and Education and Training).
Lorel’s PhD studies now take priority, however, for many years she was part of the executive committee of the WA Sexology Society (Treasurer for 12+ years!) and in 2008 received Life Membership to WASS. She also has a long association with National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and was the WA representative on the NAPCAN Board of Management. She worked part time in the WA School Drug Education Project team since its inception in 1997. Initially she was involved in state-wide teacher training and coordinated the community development project - Leavers Live.
Lorel is known for her innovative approach to facilitation and teaching, especially her love for using popular music to stimulate thinking. In 2007, this innovation was recognised with a Carrick Award – a national university teaching award.
Project:
Title: A qualitative study of undergraduate students’ learning experience in sexology
This research will respond to significant issues related to the problematic nature of sexuality in Australian society. The proposed phenomenological study will provide insights into how higher education students extend their understanding of sexuality. It emerges from the considerable body of anecdotal evidence that has been gathered over thirty years in the award winning1 sexuality education program at Curtin University. The research will provide unique insights into sexuality education in an adult learning environment, using ethnographic methods to reveal ways in which undergraduate students perceive and interpret new knowledge acquired from formal studies in sexology. The study will also illuminate how the content and learning strategies influence participant perceptions of their own sexuality. The rich body of information emerging from this study will provide much needed information about the processes and learning outcomes for students at this level, making a significant contribution to an important issue that has thus far received scant attention in the literature on sexuality education at tertiary level.
Contact Information
Location: 400.464
Phone: 0403 012 474
Fax: +618 9266 2958
Email: L.Mayberry@exchange.curtin.edu.au
