Types of Curriculum

Themes
NAF provides curriculum for the following themes:

• Academy of Finance
• Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
• Academy of Information Technology

Lessons and Projects
Most of NAF curriculum now exists in the form of lessons, which teachers can follow.  These lessons provide opportunity for student-centered activities such as discussions, debates, role-plays, and simulations.  Instructors are free to use the NAF lessons or integrate their own material, as long as they cover the course objectives.

NAF strongly believes in the value of project-based instruction, which allows students to create their own learning rather than being passive receptors of knowledge.  Ideally, project-based instruction should include the "6 A's":

• Academic Rigor
• Authenticity
• Applied Learning
• Active Exploration
• Adult Connections
• Assessment Practices

While NAF's lessons have been traditionally more lesson-based than project-based, NAF has begun to develop and make available project-based approaches to instruction.  NAF has also used its professional development venues to offer teachers support in developing and implementing projects.

In addition, NAF is investing substantial effort in 2006 and 2007 to redevelop curriculum for its three themes.  Completed first drafts of new Academy of Hospitality and Tourism material are now available, and final drafts will be finished by the end of 2006.  Academy of Finance and Academy of Information Technology Scopes and Sequences will be completed in 2006, and new curriculum will begin to be developed in 2007.  All new curriculum will include substantially more project-based learning strategies.