Expeditionary What?
An Interview with Academic Vice Principal Michael Beuhler
If you spend any time hanging around Doulos you’re going to hear the term “Expeditionary Learning.” It is central to who we are, how we do what we do, and the dynamic students that graduate from here. But, what in the world IS it and why does it matter so much? This month our Academic Vice Principal and all-around great guy, Michael Beuler, is going to unpack the “E.L.” model so we can all understand its powerful outcomes.
What is the expeditionary or “E.L” learning model?
Expeditionary Learning is a model of learning that strives to have students and teachers engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous and meaningful. The goal is to draw the students into a curriculum that is based on real-world issues so that they can develop the real-world skills needed to address them.
Why do we use E.L. style learning at Doulos?
Doulos exists to equip Dominican servant leaders to impact their communities for Christ. Through expedition-style learning, students develop the awareness, character, and skills needed to lead. Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, discovery, communication, and collaboration. We feel that students who are proficient in these skills have the tools to better engage the world around them for the Kingdom of God.
One important note: Doulos does an “E.L. inspired” educational model. We are not an official EL school.
What is an overview of how it works?
All of our curriculum at ALL grade levels is based on various expedition topics. These expedition topics are then broken down into 3 guiding questions that the students wrestle with and need to be able to answer by the end of the semester.
For example this spring, 8th Grade has the Expedition Topic of Diversity
Their guiding questions are:
How is diversity valuable?
How does diversity demonstrate God’s perfect plan/vision?
How has sin skewed God’s perfect plan/vision for diversity?
Before the class can dive into the guiding questions and their real-world applications, they need to first develop a common vocabulary, knowledge base, and exposure to the topic. This is done through various experiential activities and “common texts” (informational articles, documentaries, or novels).
With a common vocabulary and base of knowledge, they are ready to engage with the guiding questions which are integrated into ALL the subjects.
Here’s an example of how 8th grade explores Diversity through various subjects:
Science - coral reefs in the ocean
English - diversity within ethnic groups
Math - statistics to analyze the data of the coral reefs
Social Studies - diversity within the various ethnic groups here in the DR
Woven throughout the semester are other experiences and activities for the students to explore their expedition theme and engage with their guiding questions.
Some of them include:
Expert Speakers- These are individuals that come into the classroom and provide firsthand information about the topic.
Fieldwork- Fieldwork is where students take their learning outside the campus of Doulos. The goal is that their time is hands-on and builds their knowledge.
Service- Service is tied into the expedition topic whenever possible.
Biblical Integration- Biblical topics/passages that tie into each expedition.
Finally, all the learning comes together with Expedition Night where students display their final work and understanding of their expedition topic. Students create a 30-minute presentation that demonstrates how the class has engaged with their guiding questions. All students are expected to participate in presenting their information in English and Spanish. The presentation can be via skits, songs, escape rooms, booths, carnivals, or other creative ideas.
Anything else you think would be great for us to know about EL at Doulos?
Doulos is not the only school that uses an E.L.Inspired learning model, there are loads of schools all over the world using it. With that, we are one of the few schools that are using this model in conjunction with a Biblical lens. For us, it’s been a rich tool that we are very grateful for. Over the 20 years of Doulos, we have seen firsthand the fruits of this model and how it has shaped countless Doulos students to impact the world for Christ.
Expeditionary Learning is a model of learning that strives to have students and teachers engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous and meaningful. The goal is to draw the students into a curriculum that is based on real-world issues so that they can develop the real-world skills needed to address them.