Expeditionary Learning
Engages Middle School Students at Bank Street
By Nazneen Malik
As seventh grader Janeese aptly states in a matter-of-fact
way, “Education is the key to life.” Her teachers
nod their heads approvingly and smile; her seriousness is refreshing.
Janeese attends The Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies
(BCS), an Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound School (ELOB)
for seventh graders. At a recent conference at Bank Street,
she spoke about her school's program along with several of
her classmates and teachers.
Unlike traditional schools, the BCS curriculum is centered
around learning expeditions which are multi-disciplinary projects
that weave together the Humanities, Social Sciences, Math,
and Science to create a hands-on, balanced approach to learning
while meeting district and state standards. Fieldwork is the
medium through which students gain real world experience and
is fundamental to the school's philosophy. Students conduct
surveys and interviews on various topics derived from the school's
three directive questions: What does it mean to be successful?
What is our identity? What is the culture of BCS? As a result,
students are able to think critically and make conclusions
based on observations. Furthermore, the skills learned through
fieldwork become unconsciously embedded in the way students
think about their surroundings and the way they think about
the world.
In addition to an applied, inter-disciplinary approach to
education, BCS also places an emphasis on community and teamwork
for both its students and its teachers. Students are almost
always working in teams, and teachers collaborate with one
another to plan interdisciplinary expeditions. They also critique
each other's plans, and develop ways to improve the curriculum.
Although BCS is a fledgling ELOB School, it is already considering
expansion to the eight grade. If so, teachers would stay with
the same group of students in order to strengthen classroom
relationships and build community. Parents who were initially
skeptical of The Brooklyn School's unconventionality grew comfortable
with its educational approach as they began to witness the
positive effects it had on their children's motivation and
performance.
“Students are more motivated when they have an interest
in what they are doing,” says Vincent, a Math teacher
at BCS. Students take pride in their work and present their
projects at an Expeditionary fair held at the end of the school
year. Projects that were presented during the Bank Street workshop
sessions included investigations into school drinking water,
ethnic diversity among students, and the effect clocks had
on a student's ability to perform. Students delivered their
projects with passion and spoke like experts.#