futuristic table surrounded by chairs

One of the first questions the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm asks us to consider is "How do you create a climate of trust and situate your course into the world of the learner?" This question gets to one of the greatest challenges to teaching: creating community in the classroom. The keys to maintaining a great community are instructor presence and student engagement. Jesuit education puts great emphasis on an instructor willing to guide students down their winding journeys to understanding. At all stops along the way, that Jesuit instructor finds ways to get students to take up new concepts and experience them deeply.

This module will help you to develop a student engagement plan focused on atmosphere, participation, discussions, and feedback that will ensure a strong instructor presence within a deeply connected community of learners.

We'll start by looking at example student engagement plans from previous SU faculty, then focus on the most effective strategies for each area.