Rediscovering Our Community Forests Through ʻĀina- and Problem-Based Learning

​​A New PDE3 course 
Learning Object #: 26882
(DOE teachers access via Learnsoft)
Empower your teaching with ʻĀina-based and Problem-based Learning
​grounded in ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge)!
April - August, 2025
Preference given to Leeward Oʻahu and Molokaʻi Educators
Free!
For more information, fill out this INTEREST FORM today.

This hybrid course empowers educators with ʻāina-based learning, fostering community forest awareness. Through in-person field experiences, speakers, and reflection, educators will gain tools to connect students to their environment, develop critical thinking, and amplify student voice. Learn to create culturally relevant lessons, integrating Hawaiian knowledge and OHE’s Nā Hopena Aʻo framework. This program stresses community partnerships, bio-cultural preservation, and data-driven teaching.

• Explore community forest benefits: environment, water, food, health, economy, culture, and education.
• Practice sample lessons blending ʻĀina-based learning, Problem-Based Learning, and ʻIke Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge)
• Design your own unit and lesson plan with relevant assessments.
• Earn fun incentives for implementation in SY 2025-26.

Important Dates:
Online Zoom Dates (3-5 pm)
Must attend at least 50% synchronously; may watch recordings of others

• Thursday, April 10, 2025  
• Thursday, April 24, 2025  
• Thursday, May 8, 2025  
• Thursday, May 15, 2025 (required attendance)

+ Wai Huihia Kumu Network session (April 15 or May 20)
Tree-mendous Field Experiences
Local options for Leeward Oʻahu and Molokaʻi will be provided
Choice of two for minimum total of 6 hours contact time.
August 25, 2025 - Digital Portfolio Due
September 25, 2025 – Course Ends
 
Upon course completion and lesson implementation, you can also receive a class set of Kumulāʻau playing cards and an ʻĀina-Based Education Certificate of completion!