Learning Expeditions

From the Expeditionary Learning website:

Increasing Student Achievement & Engaging All Students

In Expeditionary Learning schools, Learning Expeditions are the primary way of organizing curriculum. The subject matter of a Learning Expedition is a compelling topic derived from content standards. Learning Expeditions feature linked projects that require students to construct deep understandings and skills and to create products for real audiences. Learning Expeditions support critical literacy, promote character development, create a sense of adventure, spark curiosity, and foster an ethic of service. They address central academic standards of content, skills, and presentation, and include goals related to character and community. They allow for and encourage the authentic integration of disciplines. Teachers work together to ensure that Learning Expeditions align with local standards. A coherent sequence of Learning Expeditions is mapped vertically through the grade levels to ensure that expedition topics are not repeated and that students learn essential skills and knowledge

The integral elements of a Learning Expedition are:

• Compelling topics
• Guiding questions
• High-quality products or performances created for an authentic audience
• Fieldwork
• Experts
• Service

Learning Expeditions engage students by allowing various types of learners to enter the curriculum from their entry point. It allows for differentiation as well as enrichment in areas students want to dive deeper. Learning Expeditions create a sense of true purpose for a particular topic and students become experts on a topic they may never have chosen to become an expert.