Expeditionary Learning Schools represent a unique and compelling approach to education, fundamentally rooted in the concept of learning as an active and engaging expedition. These schools operate on a set of ten design principles, deeply inspired by the philosophy and practices of Outward Bound. While these principles may seem aspirational at first glance, they are crucial for understanding the entire Expeditionary Learning framework. The Expeditionary Learning system meticulously derives its structure and methodologies directly from these guiding principles.
At its heart, Expeditionary Learning views education as “an expedition into the unknown.” This powerful metaphor encapsulates the belief that true learning is a journey of discovery, one that intertwines personal experience with intellectual development to foster both self-awareness and a robust construction of knowledge. In expeditionary learning environments, educators are seen as guides, carefully leading students through this intellectual and personal journey. This guidance is characterized by compassion, respect for diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and individual needs. Acknowledging and addressing these individual differences is not merely an accommodation but a core strategy to unlock the full learning potential and creativity inherent in every student. The underlying philosophy posits that with basic needs of health, safety, and encouragement met, every individual possesses an innate desire and capacity to learn. Expeditionary Learning seeks to tap into this intrinsic motivation, providing a potent methodology for cultivating curiosity, essential skills, deep knowledge, and the courage needed to envision and actively build a better future.
These design principles are not just theoretical ideals; they are practically applied across all facets of an Expeditionary Learning school. Their influence extends from the seemingly mundane, such as the arrangement of furniture within classrooms, to the critical, such as the comprehensive evaluation of the school’s effectiveness. To translate these abstract principles into tangible classroom practices, Expeditionary Learning has developed a set of specific educational guidelines known as “Core Practices.” These Core Practices serve as a practical roadmap for schools aspiring to become exemplary Expeditionary Learning institutions. Furthermore, they offer a clearer and more concrete understanding of the daily realities within an Expeditionary Learning classroom, demonstrating how the design principles are brought to life in teaching and learning.
In conclusion, Expeditionary Learning schools offer a distinctive educational model that is deeply informed by its ten design principles. These principles, inspired by Outward Bound, champion a view of learning as an expedition that fosters both personal growth and intellectual rigor. The “Core Practices” then bridge the gap between these aspirational principles and the practical realities of running and teaching within an expeditionary learning environment. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the school, from philosophy to classroom practice, is aligned with the core belief in the transformative power of experiential and engaged learning.
