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.