Expeditionary What?
What is Expeditionary Learning at Doulos Discovery School?
If you spend any time around Doulos Discovery School, one phrase you’ll hear often is Expeditionary Learning. It’s not just an educational model for us—it's central to how we teach, how students learn, and how we equip graduates to impact their communities for Christ.
But what exactly is Expeditionary Learning (often called EL Learning), and why does it matter so much? This month, our Academic Vice Principal, Michael Beuler, explains the EL model and why it’s such a powerful tool in shaping Doulos students into servant leaders.
What is Expeditionary Learning?
Expeditionary Learning is an educational approach designed to make learning challenging, adventurous, and deeply meaningful. It connects students and teachers with real-world issues, equipping them with the skills they need to navigate—and influence—the world around them.
This model emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, discovery, and communication—skills that prepare students not just for academics but for life.
Why Does Doulos Use Expeditionary Learning?
At Doulos Discovery School, our mission is to equip Dominican servant leaders to impact their communities for Christ. Expeditionary Learning aligns with that mission by cultivating:
Awareness of the world and God’s vision for it
Christ-like character
Skills to serve, lead, and influence others for God’s Kingdom
While Doulos is not officially certified as an EL Education school, we use an EL-inspired model intentionally shaped by a biblical worldview.
How Does Expeditionary Learning Work at Doulos?
At every grade level, the curriculum is built around expedition topics—real-world themes that students explore throughout the semester. Each topic is driven by three essential guiding questions that help students develop a biblical perspective while connecting their learning across subjects.
Example: 8th Grade Expedition on Diversity
Guiding Questions:
How is diversity valuable?
How does diversity demonstrate God’s perfect plan and vision?
How has sin skewed God’s perfect plan for diversity?
Building Knowledge and Vocabulary
Before students dive into these questions, they develop shared knowledge and vocabulary through:
Experiential activities
Informational texts, documentaries, and novels
Hands-on learning experiences
Once equipped, students explore their guiding questions across every subject area. For example:
Science: Studying the diversity of coral reefs
English: Exploring diversity within ethnic groups
Math: Analyzing diversity data and statistics
Social Studies: Examining diversity among ethnic groups in the Dominican Republic
Real-World Experiences That Deepen Learning
Throughout each expedition, students engage in experiences designed to connect learning to the real world:
Expert Speakers: Professionals and community leaders share firsthand knowledge
Fieldwork: Hands-on experiences outside the classroom that deepen understanding
Service Projects: Applying learning through acts of service whenever possible
Biblical Integration: Connecting Scripture and biblical principles to each expedition
Expedition Night: A Celebration of Learning
Each semester culminates in Expedition Night—a public celebration where students showcase their learning creatively and bilingually. Students present their discoveries through skits, songs, escape rooms, interactive booths, and more—all in English and Spanish.
Expedition Night gives students a platform to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, and ability to engage others in the topic they’ve studied.
Why Does Expeditionary Learning Matter?
Expeditionary Learning at Doulos Discovery School is about far more than academic success. It’s about shaping students into Kingdom-minded leaders who are prepared to serve their communities and reflect Christ in the world.
For over 20 years, we’ve seen the fruits of this model. Our students graduate as courageous, wise, and servant-hearted leaders—ready to step into the world and make a lasting impact for Christ.
Doulos: Expeditionary Learning with a Biblical Worldview
While many schools around the world use expeditionary learning, Doulos is unique in our commitment to combining this model with a biblical lens. Our students don’t just gain knowledge—they gain purpose.
They wrestle with big questions, explore God’s world, and develop the skills and character needed to lead for His Kingdom.