| Traditional Classroom | Expedition Academy Classroom |
|
| Define what we know | Objective | Interaction with the unknown |
| Acquisition of knowledge | Purpose | Construction of meaning |
| Fact-orientation | Outcome | Thinking Process |
| Teacher-centered Instruction |
Student-centered Instruction |
|
| Part to whole | Strategy | Whole to part |
| Skills based | Content | Concept based |
| One-dimensional | Context | Multi-dimensional |
| Dissemination of information | Teacher Role | Catalyst for thinking |
| Passive learning | Learner Role | Active learning |
| Mastery | Assessment | Demonstrated experience |
Models adapted from Pahl Mon's "Charting a New Course with Whole Language," Educational Leadership, 48, pp. 52-53.