The current educational landscape calls for a bold reevaluation.
Let us consider this post a spiritual successor to my Halloween “Horror of Education” post. Let us also note that, over the past couple weeks, I completed a regular ritual which involves watching Thanksgiving episodes of The West Wing. I am reacting to my late October post with, perhaps, a bit more hope.
This does not change the fact that the current educational landscape calls for a bold reevaluation. We need a complete overhaul of our education system if we are to meet the challenges of the 21st century and stay true to our mission as educators and, in my particular case, Catholic educators.
In the West Wing episode “Shibboleth” President Josiah Bartlet, upon confronting a high school student who believes the President has the power to pardon a turkey declares, “If we don’t and I mean completely overhaul education in this country…”. He is cut off from completing the thought, but the audience gets the direction he was heading. Bartlet’s sentiment remains strikingly relevant today.
For me, the heart of this overhaul must begin with a recommitment to the Ignatian principles that form the cornerstone of Jesuit education. These principles: cura personalis (care for the whole person), Magis (the more), and finding God in all things, guide us in creating an environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
- Cura Personalis
In an age where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent among students, we must prioritize their overall well-being. This means integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum, providing robust support services, and fostering a community where each student feels valued and understood. We can no longer simply pay lip-service to this critical need. It is, I believe, our highest priority in reframing education.
- Magis
The pursuit of excellence should not be confined to academics alone. Encouraging students to strive for the “more” in all aspects of their lives, whether in service to others – artistic expression, or athletic endeavors – ensures they develop into well-rounded individuals who can make a meaningful impact in the world.
- Finding God in All Things
Our educational approach should help students recognize the divine in every subject and experience. This involves not only teaching religious studies but also integrating faith into all disciplines, encouraging students to see their learning as part of a larger spiritual journey. We are all on a camino and that journey should inform our educational practice.
Please allow me to take my love of Ignatian Education one step further to suggest that the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP) can serve as a framework for this overhaul. The IPP emphasizes five key elements: context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation.
- Context
Understanding the unique circumstances and backgrounds of each student allows us to tailor our teaching methods to their needs so that no student is left behind and that each has the opportunity to succeed.
- Experience
Active learning experiences, such as project-based learning and community service, engage students and make education more relevant and impactful.
- Reflection
Encouraging students to reflect on their learning experiences deepens their understanding and fosters critical thinking to help students see the broader implications of their knowledge.
- Action
Education should inspire students to take action to make a positive difference in the world.
- Evaluation
Continuous assessment and feedback are crucial for both students and educators. Period.
“If we don’t and I mean completely overhaul education,” we risk failing our students and our mission. An overhaul of education is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one. As Catholic educators, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead this charge. By embracing Ignatian principles and the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, we can create a transformative educational experience that prepares our students to navigate an increasingly complex world with faith, compassion, and resilience.