Big Picture Learning believes that the deepest learning and strongest motivation result from authentic experiences. Experiences in the real world motivate profound learning for several reasons. First, the work has real consequences that matter to an audience beyond the student and teacher. Second, the resources for learning are limitless when students are not confined to one building and a pre-determined set of materials. Third, the student develops personal relationships with experts in the area of his or her interest. A personalized curriculum is built around these experiences.

Students are guided to identify their interests and search out professionals in the community to pursue those interests. Through informational interviews and shadow days, students explore the many opportunities though which they can pursue their goals. Learning Through Interest (LTI) experiences are established and students are given the opportunity to spend two days a week at a worksite with a mentor.

At the site, students develop a rigorous real-world project that they can work on with their mentor and back at school with their advisor. These projects become the foundation for the student’s learning plan and provide opportunities for the student to address their learning goals.