Program Structure

What is Big Picture Learning?

The Big Picture Learning design is a dynamic approach to learning, doing, and thinking that has been changing the lives of students, educators, and entire communities since 1995. The design components are based on three foundation principles: first, learning must be based on the interests and goals of each student; second, student’s curriculum must be relevant to the people and places that exist in the real world; and finally, a student’s abilities must be authentically measured by the quality of her or his work.

How Big Picture Works

• The Advisor works with a small group of students to find what motivates and interests each student.
• The Mentor, a lawyer, engineer, merchant, etc., guides each student’s internship.
• The Parent is actively enrolled as a resource to the BP community.
• The Student (and peers) interact to reinforce each other’s passion for real work in the real world. The result is a self-teaching community of learners where no one feels left out, and each helps motivate the other.