Teaching Spanish Conversation Through the UAPs: A Pedagogy of Jesuit Values and Mission.

This praxis piece explores the development of a Jesuit focused pedagogy within the context of a Spanish language conversation course. The author begins by defining the origins of the pedagogy employed in this course and how it came to be centered around the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus (UAPs) which consist of the following goals: 1) Showing the way to God/goodness/hope through discernment; 2) Walking with the excluded, the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice; 3) Journeying with youth, to accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future; and 4) Caring for our Common Home to protect and renew creation. The author elaborates on various pedagogical strategies including community-based service learning, dual immersion, tertulias, interviews, geocaching project, immersion experiences, Role Playing Games (RPGs), and guest lectures; and demonstrates assessments and outcomes which align with and enhance the processes of discernment around the UAPs. The paper concludes with an examination of outcomes of this pedagogical approach through the processes of discernment, reflection, and action. A schedule/syllabus is also included in the appendix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]