Teaching Aids by Douglas Tonks

From the Publisher

Throughout the debate over how—and if—AIDS education should be taught to school-age children, teachers who desire to bring the subject of AIDS into their classroom have had few, if any, resources to guide them. Teaching AIDS responds to the need for AIDS education material with a practice-based, interactive curriculum that will enable teachers to effectively educate students about the risk of AIDS and HIV infection.

Teaching AIDS begins with a brief but strategic discussion of how teachers can create an environment of support for an AIDS education program. Author Douglas Tonks examines the political and educational implications for winning principal, district and parental support for an AIDS curriculum and offers concrete guidance on such issues as abstinence, condom distribution, prejudice and personal bias. He presents the facts, fictions and myths of AIDS and HIV transmission in a clear, concise manner that will enable educators to gain command of basic, vital information about AIDS with a view to helping them impart it effectively and honestly to their students.

The centerpiece of the book, which teachers will find vital to their AIDS education efforts, is a thorough and detailed AIDS curriculum that they can utilize to educate students about the disease. Recognizing that AIDS education must differ for students of different age groups, Tonks presents tailored, age-appropriate content—what and how teachers should communicate AIDS information to young children, older children and teenage students. Topics covered include getting started, setting ground rules, introducing content, utilizing multimedia, peereducation programs, cooperative learning and guest speakers. Tonks illustrates how to enhance this material through the presentation of individual and group activities and exercises. Teachers are encouraged to customize the material to deal with students of diverse populations and backgrounds.

Teaching AIDS also addresses actual methods teachers can use to influence their students' attitudes and behaviors by helping them to recognize problem situations in which risks might arise, and presenting them with the actual skills they need to protect themselves in such situations. Tonks outlines a series of refusal skills—sexual decision-making strategies—that students can practice in order to make responsible decisions when faced with the prospect of sexual activity. The concluding chapters concentrate on how to model and practice skills in the classroom through activities such as role-playing, peer education and the use of drama. This easy-to-read yet comprehensive manual for AIDS education breaks new ground in helping teachers provide the information that can literally save their students' lives.

Booknews

A guide for teachers willing to wind through the political minefield and teach their students about AIDS. Explains strategies for winning support from principals, district administrators, and parents; and offers specific advice on such aspects as abstinence, condom distribution, and prejudice. The centerpiece is a thorough and detailed AIDS curriculum with adjustable parts to tailor it for students of different ages or background, and for varying resource levels. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents