Developing Leaders through Project-Based Learning at Empower Generations High School

At Empower Generations High School, a free public charter school in Lancaster, CA, we believe that every student is a leader. That’s why we’ve integrated Project-Based Learning (PBL), rooted in constructivist methods, as a cornerstone of our educational approach, fostering an environment where young minds can thrive.

What is Project-Based Learning (PBL) and How Does it Work?

PBL is a dynamic, student-centered teaching method that moves beyond traditional rote memorization. Instead of simply receiving information, Empower Generations High Schoolers actively gain knowledge and skills by working on real-world problems and challenges for an extended period. It’s about learning by doing, creating, and solving, directly aligning with our constructivist approach, in which learners build upon their prior knowledge through hands-on activities and meaningful experiences.

We couldn’t agree more with this post from Gillian Berard and Infinity Education Inc. Project-based learning provides an irreplaceable human experience, teaching kids how to learn, be resourceful, tolerate frustration, persevere, take risks, ask critical questions, take action, research, learn new skills, make mistakes, build confidence, reflect, collaborate, and build intrinsic motivation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gillian Berard | Holistic Math Coach K-6 | OCT (@gillianberard)

Here’s how PBL typically works at Empower Generations High School:

“Driving Question” or real-world challenge: Unlike a typical textbook chapter, every PBL unit at Empower Generations High School begins with an authentic, complex, and open-ended question or problem. This could be anything from “How can we design a sustainable garden for our community?” to “How can we create a public awareness campaign about local environmental issues?” This question sparks curiosity and provides a clear purpose for learning, engaging students’ interest as they discover underlying concepts and develop a deep understanding of subject matter.

In-depth inquiry and research: Students don’t just jump to solutions. They embark on a journey of inquiry, conducting research, gathering information, and exploring various perspectives related to the driving question. This might involve reading books, interviewing experts, visiting relevant sites, or analyzing data. This actively engages students as they discover and develop their unique strengths.

Collaboration and critical thinking: Working often in teams, students collaborate to brainstorm ideas, analyze information, and critically evaluate potential solutions. They learn to communicate effectively, listen to different viewpoints, and build upon each other’s strengths. This process develops essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork, closely resembling real-world work and developing skills for success in careers and life.

Creating a tangible product or solution: The core of PBL is the creation of a meaningful, public product or solution that addresses the driving question. This isn’t just a poster or a worksheet; it could be a science experiment, a community service initiative, a documentary film, a business plan, a functional prototype, or a persuasive presentation. This product is the vehicle for deep learning, requiring students to apply what they’ve learned in a practical way. As learners develop, projects gradually introduce greater levels of complexity, allowing for more autonomy and increased choice of topics and products.

Iteration and feedback: Throughout the project, students receive ongoing feedback from their guides (who act as inspiring facilitators, not just lecturers) and often from peers and even community experts. This feedback loop allows them to refine their ideas, improve their work, and deepen their understanding. In this constructivist relationship, Empower Generations High Schoolers’ guides facilitate the learning process, fostering students’ self-motivation and self-directedness.

Public presentation and reflection: At the conclusion of a project, our high schoolers don’t just turn in their work. They proudly demonstrate their learning and present their projects to their families and the wider community. This public exhibition reinforces the skills they’ve learned, builds confidence, and allows them to see the real-world impact of their efforts. They also reflect on their learning journey, identifying what went well, what challenges they faced, and what they would do differently next time, striving to become competent lifelong learners.

Through this immersive process, Empower Generations High School ensures that learning is dynamic, engaging, and connected to the real world. Our learners — inspired participants in meaningful learning — not only develop foundational skills in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science, but they also apply the power of research, critical thinking, and collaboration to real-world challenges.

We are honored to support our young leaders on their path to lifelong learning and making impactful contributions.

 

About Empower Generations High School:

Empower Generations High School (EGHS) is a free public high school in Lancaster, CA. Founded in 2016, EGHS offers a flexible independent study model alongside robust college and career planning support and Career Technical Education opportunities, ensuring each student is equipped for their chosen future. Our commitment extends to providing credit recovery options and valuable resources, such as our Parenting Teens Program. At EGHS, students thrive under the guidance of our caring, credentialed educators. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook and find us at www.empowergenerations.org.

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