Expeditionary What?

An Interview with Academic Vice Principal Michael Beuhler
(5-Minute Read)

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.

Reunion Entertainment!

Carlos Sanchez is a VERY well-known Dominican comedian and long-time friend of Chad and Krista (the founders of Doulos). His English is strong and during our reunion, he is going to perform his first EVER Bi-lingual/Spanglish stand-up routine.

Get Tickets Here

March's Highlights

Medical Mission

We sent a group of students and staff to support a team of US doctors doing a one week medical mission trip. It was a powerful experience for our students as they helped provide much needed medical care.

Master Planning

A team of gentlemen with project planning experience and a deep love for Doulos spent a week with Josh developing the Master Plan for our future home. They developed the plans for the infrastructure, the possible layout of buildings, and a general estimate of the time and money each area will need.

Equipping Other Educators

Michael, Megan, and Elizabeth facilitated a 3-day professional development seminar for leaders from 12 lesser-resourced Christian Schools in the Santo Domingo area.

Spiritual Emphasis Week

The last week of this month was Spiritual Emphasis Week. It was powerful to see God moving through special chapels and other events during the week.

It’s always so inspiring to hear how God brings together millions of little pieces to call one person or family to serve at Doulos. Each story is a little different, but there is one theme that is constant in them ALL - You can trust God to guide and provide as you follow His lead.

This youtube playlist has the calling stories from four different Doulos missionaries. From “singles” fresh out of college, to “married with no kids”, to a family of four, we hope these stories inspire you to listen to God’s voice and follow Him no matter where He leads you.

Please join us in praying for...

First a "Praise Report" - Each month "Recuritment" is on our list of prayers. Over the last couple of months we have talked with a number of people/families who have said "I don't know, I just really feel God leading me to serve at Doulos." Our God is working, and you have a beautiful role to play in it. Thank you for standing with us in prayer.

Sports League - That God uses these experiences to shape our students and shine His light to other schools.

Spring Break Rejuvenation - The first week of April is spring break. Please pray for the rest and rejuvenation that only the Lord can give to fill our staff and students.

Recruitment - That God clearly calls and guides the staff He would like to serve at Doulos next school year. Like always here are the current openings if you’d like to pray over them individually.

March 2023