Developing Leaders through Project-Based Learning at iLEAD Online

At iLEAD Online, a free public TK-12 charter school serving Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Kern County, we believe that every child is a leader. That’s why we’ve integrated Project-Based Learning (PBL) 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, iLEAD students 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.

Here’s how PBL works at iLEAD Online:

“Driving Question” or real-world challenge: Unlike a typical textbook chapter, every PBL unit at iLEAD Online 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.

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.

Collaboration and critical thinking: Working 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.

Creating a 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.

Iteration and feedback: Throughout the project, students receive ongoing feedback from their highly skilled educators, whose role is to facilitate, not just lecture, and often from peers and even community experts. This feedback loop allows them to refine their ideas, improve their work, and deepen their understanding.

Public presentation and reflection: At the conclusion of a project, our students 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.

Through this immersive process, iLEAD Online ensures that learning is dynamic, engaging, and connected to the real world. Our students — inspired learners — 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 learners and leaders on their path to lifelong learning and making impactful contributions to our world.