EIT is teaching its teachers to use the outdoors to further their success.
In a week when EIT was announced as a corporate guardian of the Hawke's Bay Biodiversity group, the tertiary institute has brought together environmental educators from around the country to explore ways to incorporate education outdoors into an innovative learning environment.
At an overnight hui held at Mangarara Eco Lodge in Patangata, Central Hawke's Bay, 40 educators shared ideas on using the outdoors as a teaching tool.
"We want to be sure that EIT students and practising teachers have the learning experiences to equip them with the tools, knowledge and confidence to incorporate the use of outdoor learning environments into their teaching," says Professor Natalie Waran, who is spearheading the initiative.
"Our overall goal is to improve awareness and understanding of the environment across the whole community by promoting the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, leading to a better environment and a better quality of life.