Pedagogy

Ignatian Pedagogy embodies five key teaching elements:

Context, Experience, Reflection, Action, and Evaluation. 

 

Context - Understanding the whole child is the foundation of our teaching. Before learning begins, we take time to know each student, their background, family life, strengths, and individual learning style. By recognizing every child’s unique story, teachers create lessons that are meaningful and responsive to who they are. This intentional awareness allows learning to connect with real experiences and helps students feel seen, valued, and supported as they grow academically and personally.​​​

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Experience - Learning at Loyola is active, engaging, and rooted in real-world experiences. In the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, experience is one of the most essential elements because hands-on learning comes before academic learning. We believe children learn best when they explore, create, and discover through meaningful experiences that connect to their everyday world. Our teachers bring learning to life by planning hands-on activities, transforming classrooms to reflect the themes students will study, inviting experts to share their knowledge, or organizing field trips for our older students. These experiences spark curiosity, build understanding, and prepare children to connect what they learn in class to the world around them.

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Reflection - Helps students make sense of what they have learned and why it matters. Teachers guide children to think about their experiences, recall what they observed, and connect new knowledge to what they already know. Through conversation, imagination, and creative expression, students begin to see the value and meaning behind their learning. This process strengthens memory, understanding, and emotional awareness, helping children see how each lesson relates to the world around them. Reflection encourages students to grow in curiosity and self-awareness as they continue their lifelong journey of learning and discovery.

Action - Learning inspires action. Once students have reflected on their experiences, teachers guide them to apply what they have learned in meaningful ways. This may involve making thoughtful choices, collaborating with others, or taking small steps that show kindness, responsibility, and curiosity in daily life. Through these opportunities, children begin to understand that learning is not only about knowing but also about doing. Each action, no matter how small, helps students grow in character and purpose, encouraging them to use what they learn to make a positive difference in their classroom, community, and world.

Evaluation - Evaluation honors both academic achievement and personal development. Teachers use a variety of tools, such as quizzes, tests, projects, and daily participation to measure each student’s understanding and progress. These assessments help ensure that children are mastering key skills, meeting learning goals, and building a strong foundation for future success. In the Ignatian tradition, evaluation also looks beyond academics to recognize growth in empathy, responsibility, and perseverance. Teachers observe how students collaborate, approach challenges, and respond to the needs of others. This balanced approach allows us to see the whole child, growing in mind, heart, and spirit, and supports our mission to form lifelong learners who lead with both knowledge and compassion.

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At Loyola, the relationship between teacher and student is at the heart of the learning experience. Our educators do more than teach; they guide, inspire, and create the conditions for meaningful growth. Through the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm, teachers help students connect deeply with what they learn, encouraging curiosity, reflection, and purposeful action.

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Teachers carefully design opportunities that allow each child to explore ideas, make discoveries, and develop understanding through experience and reflection. This ongoing process nurtures a love for learning and helps students grow not only in knowledge but also in character, integrity, and faith.

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We constantly strive to raise the bar in our students’ development by inspiring them to take initiative and play an active role in their own learning. We believe that children construct their own knowledge through curiosity, exploration, and meaningful experiences that connect to the world around them. Our teachers guide this process with care and purpose, challenging students to think critically, express themselves confidently, and grow in mind, body, and spirit. Through this balance of guidance and independence, we nurture lifelong learners who are prepared to meet challenges with resilience, compassion, and a love for discovery.

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