On July 31, 1993, Father General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach promulgated the text “Ignatian Pedagogy: Introduction to Practice”, aimed to complete the previous document “The characteristics of the educational activity of the Society of Jesus” of 1986 and to build on them new elements in the educational field.

Recognizing the different approaches of Jesuit schools, “Ignatian Pedagogy: Introduction to Practice” proposed a flexible approach based on the general principles of the Spiritual Exercises.

Directed primarily at teachers, this text recommends an “Ignatian” style of teaching characterized by five “dimensions”:

1. possess a thorough understanding of the context in which the teaching takes place;
2. create experiences that broaden students’ intellect and imagination;
3. promote a habit of permanent reflection to deepen any experience;
4. provide opportunities to put the values and skills acquired into action so that positive transformation occurs in the student, the teacher, and the world. Such actions must be in service to the Gospel, as St. Ignatius asserts that love is shown more in actions than in words;
5. engage in a rich and articulate evaluation of teaching and learning, combined with a willingness to change and modify where necessary.