Ignatian Pedagogy: is a teaching model that seeks to develop students of competence, conscience and compassion.
Jesuit Education
- Exists since 1534 and is known for academic excellence and innovation
- Seeks to develop the whole student – mind, body and spirit
- Values social justice, environmental stewardship, interreligious understanding and service to others, especially the poor and marginalized in addition to acedemic excellence
- Prepares students for lifelong learning
- Explores interface between faith and culture
- Pays special attention to values, ethical issues and the development of moral character
- Prepares students for rapidly changing and diverse society
- Is broad based, comprehensive and rooted in liberal arts tradition
- Develops responsible citizens who are sensitive to the need of our times
- Maintains optimistic view of human nature and of its possibilities
- Fosters an integration of knowledge within and across disciplines
- Encourages critical, analytical and creative approaches to solving problems
- Incorporates global and international dimensions for growth and learning
- Inspires graduates to change society and the world for the better
Ignatian Pedagogy
- Embraces the unique qualities of each student
- Facilitates student’s understanding of information in a personally relevant and personally appropriated manner
- Employs a systematic, sequential and purposeful teaching plan
- Encourages students to decide what is truly good for themselves and society through a process of discernment
- Is challenging and rigorous
- Is interdisciplinary
- Makes use of novel teaching methods and technologies as they arise
- Relies on teachers to serve as model “men and women for others” both in and out of the classroom
- Encourages attentiveness, reverence, and devotion to reveal truth and wisdom
- Utilizes clear and specific evaluation methods
- Encourages student responsibility and independence
- Emphasizes “eloquentia perfecta” – speaking and writing excellence
- Views teaching as a vocation and as a service to others
- Values five elements of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm that dynamically interact:
- Context – understanding students’ life and culture
- Experience – providing intellectual and affective learning opportunities
- Reflection – to find meaning for self and others
- Action – the external expression of learning
- Evaluation – of student growth
Adapted from compilation by Debra Mooney, Ph. D - Conway Institute for Jesuit Education/ Center for Mission and Identity/Xavier University.