Published and Open Access! Discover the IOSS Framework for Lifelong Learning
In the fast-evolving field of sexology, continuing education is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Scientific advances constantly reshape our understanding of sexuality, requiring professionals to stay agile and engaged. But how can sexologists maintain their expert status after completing their academic training?
In our paper, recently published in Sexual Medicine, we provide a comprehensive response to this critical question. Our work introduces a new conceptual framework for continuing education in sexology along with a practical roadmap for its application, all designed to keep learning intrinsically motivated.
The Foundations: Adult Learning Theories
Our framework builds upon two foundational theories of adult education:
- Andragogy:Adults should be self-directed learners, selecting what to learn, evaluating its importance, and understanding its relevance to their professional needs.
- Transformative Learning:Growth occurs when learners critically reflect, challenge their assumptions, and integrate new perspectives into their professional and personal practice.
The IOSS Framework: Three Pillars of Intrinsic Motivation
The IOSS conceptual framework posits that continuing education is most effective when learners are driven by intrinsic motivation, and such learning will thrive in environments that foster (1) transformative learning, (2) autonomous learning, and (3) learning embedded in the workflow.
- Transformative Learning
- Sparks “aha” moments, emotional engagement, and deep reflection.
- Encourages clinicians to rethink assumptions and apply insights directly to patient care.
- Is achieved through clinically relevant knowledge, inspiring instruction, and reflective dialogue.
- Autonomous Learning
- Learners set goals, choose resources, and evaluate outcomes.
- Course providers embrace pluralism, offering diverse theories and approaches rather than one dominant school of thought.
- Learning Embedded in Workflow
- Training is integrated into daily clinical practice, not separate from it.
- On-demand resources provide “just-in-time” learning that is immediately applicable.
From Theory to Practice: The IOSS Platform
To exemplify the application of the IOSS conceptual framework, the paper presents a roadmap for implementation, along with insights gained from the development of IOSS’s learning platform, an international hub for sexology education designed around the three pillars.
The ultimate purpose of IOSS’s platform is to optimize learners’ sex therapy sessions, fostering the necessary skills to facilitate significant therapeutic advancements for their clients. The goal is to serve both those pursuing sexology and those already in the field as an extensive knowledge resource.
Here’s a snippet on how IOSS’s platform embodies the IOSS conceptual framework, creating an environment for transformative, autonomous, and embedded in the workflow learning:
- Video Library– 100+ video lectures, delivered in 5 formats: state-of-the-art lectures, instructional courses, clinical case discussions, inspirational talks, and new clinical findings, with new content added monthly.
- Online Clinical Supervision– Flexible formats (thematic, structured, flexi, hop-on/hop-off) that promote reflection, autonomy, and cultural competence.
- Global Faculty– Over 60 international experts from diverse backgrounds, free from institutional or market pressures, biases like nationality or gender, and selected solely based on their demonstrated expertise in specific topics, passion, and teaching skills.
- Accreditation– Courses recognized by APA, ACCME, and AASECT, supporting professional credentialing worldwide.
Our Invitation
The IOSS conceptual framework and platform offer a solution to one of the most significant challenges in sexology: ensuring continuous, high-quality, and globally accessible education.
- For sexologists: An online learning environment designed to support lifelong learning that is meaningful, flexible, and applicable to daily practice. Professionals are encouraged to explore ways to incorporate the IOSS learning platform into their own professional environment.
- For educational providers: A comprehensive model for designing programs grounded in adult learning theory, learner autonomy, transformative experiences, and integration within clinical practice.
As emphasized by the World Association for Sexual Health and the European Society for Sexual Medicine, ongoing education is a professional responsibility. With the IOSS framework, our goal is to stimulate discussion and inspire innovative efforts that promote mastery, foster innovation, and cultivate a passion for learning within the sexual health community.
Read our full paper (it’s open access) for a deeper exploration of methods, insights, and implications for the future of sexology education.
Disclaimer: Paraskevi-Sofia Kirana and Francesca Tripodi are co-founders of International Online Sexology Supervisors.
