Programme goals

Action Learning Programme

• The Orokonui Education Advisory Group will guide the selection of a variety of programmes to support schools
• Desired learning outcomes for each group will be discussed with teachers prior to each visit

Environmental Education Themes

• Sustainability - encourage ecological literacy by examining ways to reduce the effects of our impact and human development on natural resources
• Biodiversity - build awareness in the variety of life, the ecosystems they form and that people have reduced the diversity by modifying natural environments and exploiting plants and animals
• Personal and social responsibility for action - encourage everyday actions and choices that limit resource use and assist in maintaining the quality of our environment.
• Community Engagement - create social capital by assisting individuals to enhance their understanding of the benefits of conserving biodiversity through local coordinated community action and to share their knowledge, skills and passions
• Personal Development - support students to use and develop key competencies while caring for the environment
• Encourage, model and explore values of ecological sustainability, innovation, inquiry, curiosity, diversity and community participation
• Students gain knowledge, skills and experience within a variety of learning areas through participation in a programme of action at Orokonui Ecosanctuary
• Students will be able to participate actively and meaningfully in the restoration process at Orokonui Ecosanctuary through a range of activities e.g:
  • Kiwi tracking using telemetry and interpreting foraging sign etc.
  • Stream studies and water quality testing.
  • Collection and analysis of data from pest tracker tunnels and predator control technology.
  • Bird and invertebrate identification and surveys.
  • Plant identification and adaptations.
  • Planting and weed management.
  • Matauranga Maori, through storytelling, Te Reo Maori and traditional uses and tikanga of forest species.
  • Map making and interpretation.
  • Environmental art.
• Supporting effective environmental education pedagogy in schools
  • Education for sustainability in a predator-free environment is a unique learning opportunity that supports effective pedagogy in terms of :

1. Education in, about and for the environment
2. Encouraging reflective thought and action
3. Enhancing the relevance of new learning
4. Facilitating shared learning
5. Making connections
6. Inquiry-based learning
7. Student-initiated learning
8. Accommodating different learning styles and multiple intelligences

Assessing Learning Outcomes

• To provide the greatest possibility for learning outcomes to be achieved, curriculum linked programmes will be supported by trained and experienced educators using the Enviroschools Action Learning Cycle to facilitate groups and individuals through experiential activities, inquiry-based research and participatory action for the environment.
• Evidence of learning and assessment of the value added by participating in a programme at Orokonui Ecosanctuary will be addressed during the reflection and evaluation stage of each programme. As programmes will be designed with flexible levels of action and contribution, the method of assessment will vary. During a visit, oral anecdotes, photos and observed working theories can be recorded by facilitators. Participating teachers and students will be requested to complete written surveys on completion of the programme and they will be encouraged to send copies of work or further action inspired by their participation in a programme at Orokonui. Annually, a randomised sample of classes/groups will be selected to follow up at a later date to assess impact of their Orokonui experience on individual and group attitudes and behaviour over time. Any external review processes required by other funding agencies (for example, LEOTC assessor visits) will also provide a critique of learning outcomes being achieved.