Investigation the elements of the new ecosystem curriculum of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and its quiddity

Authors
Seyed Mohammad Sajjadi
Marjan Kian
Rababe Nouri Ghasemabadi
Masoud Geramipour
Kharazmi University
Abstract
The current research was started with the aim of " Investigation the elements of the new ecosystem curriculum of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and its quiddity". The approach of this research was a qualitative phenomenological type. The environment and the informants of the research included all the groups of the Narcotics Anonymous Association of Razavi Khorasan province and 14 knowledgeable and experienced guides of the NA groups in different cities of the province. The selection of informants was done through the snowball method, and the research tool was semi-structured in-depth interviews. The findings of the research include 9 elements: 1- The goal includes: a) conveying the message and b) teaching lifestyle; 2- Content including: a) written content based on global experiences and b) oral content based on members' experiences; 3- Learning activities including the function of the twelve steps; 4- Teaching and learning strategies include three categories: a) based on the quiddity of the teaching-learning method, b) based on the method of implementation and c) based on the number of learners; 5- The place have the following quiddity: a) not harassing for others and neighbors, b) not personality of the place, c) lack of organizational and group affiliation in choosing the place, t) independent renting of the place based on the 7th tradition and 3) public and general benefit of the place; 6- The time have the following quiddity: a) Writing in the group charter and b) flexibility based on the conditions of the members; 7- Grouping of members based on: a) the person's position in the step meetings, b) the quiddity of the meeting and c) membership history; 8- Materials and resources include four categories: a) educational tools, b) multimedia, c) hospitality and welfare facilities and d) written resources; 9- Evaluation in two formats: a) personal balance sheet and b) group balance sheet, was in NA curriculum. The results of the research indicated an integrated interdisciplinary curriculum in the fields of curriculum and psychology in the ecosystem of the Narcotics Anonymous, and practical suggestions were presented based on the principles of curriculum design and development for its improvement and modification.
Keywords
Narcotics Anonymous
Curriculum
Ecosystem
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