Ignatian Pedagogy for Public Schools

Download or read book Ignatian Pedagogy for Public Schools written by Benjamin J. Brenkert and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2023-07-27 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book shows how the pedagogical philosophy of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) founder, Ignatius of Loyola, can be used and applied in public school settings in the USA and around the world without dismantling the separation of church and state. Ignatian Pedagogy should be considered a historical precursor to modern practical and pedagogical theories such as culturally relevant pedagogy and equity frameworks in education, with Jesuit foundational texts such as the Ratio Studiorum including material about working within and valuing the context of the culture surrounding schools, emphasizing student voice and empowering the student as a co-teacher. Based on new research carried out in New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) schools the author argues for universal character formation programs based on already existing and highly effective programs at Jesuit-sponsored schools. The research shows that universal character formation programs are highly effective in developing students flourishing, strengthening their relationships with themselves and others, and enabling critical, reflective thought. Based on the theory of Ignatius of Loyola and the work of thinkers including Paulo Freire, Mahatma Gandhi, Elisabeth Johnson and Martin Luther King, Brenkert presents a theological-philosophical framework for creating a 'beloved community' free from oppression, poverty and hate.