AI and Jesuit Teaching
Reflective, Ethical, and Human-Centered Use of AI
Generative AI tools are becoming part of the educational landscape. As we explore their potential, it is important to consider not only what these tools can do, but how their use aligns with our values as educators at a Jesuit institution.
Jesuit education emphasizes the formation of the whole person, the pursuit of truth, and a commitment to reflection and ethical action. AI can support these goals when used thoughtfully and intentionally.
These values also invite us to consider how AI supports excellence, community, and our responsibility to others.
Supporting the Whole Person (Cura Personalis)
Jesuit pedagogy calls us to meet students where they are and support their individual growth, recognizing their unique strengths, experiences, and needs.
AI can assist by:
- Providing multiple explanations of complex concepts
- Supporting diverse learning needs and backgrounds
- Offering additional opportunities for practice and feedback
Meaningful learning requires human connection. AI should support—not replace—the relationships and interactions that are central to student development.
Encouraging Reflection
Reflection is a core element of Jesuit teaching and learning and supports ongoing personal growth and self-awareness.
AI can be used to:
- Prompt students to analyze and critique AI-generated responses
- Support iterative thinking through drafting, revising, and refining ideas
- Encourage awareness of strengths, gaps, and learning processes
Faculty can guide students to ask:
- Is this accurate?
- Does this reflect my understanding?
- What is missing or oversimplified?
These moments of reflection are essential to deeper learning.
Supporting Discernment
Discernment involves making thoughtful decisions by considering context, impact, and multiple perspectives.
AI can support this by helping students:
- Compare different viewpoints or approaches
- Evaluate the implications of ideas or solutions
- Consider the broader impact of their decisions
These practices support informed decision-making and help students evaluate not just what is possible, but what is appropriate.
Pursuing Excellence (Magis)
Magis calls us to focus on student growth while striving for high performance, accountability, and the common good.
AI can support this by helping faculty and students work intentionally, make informed decisions, and improve learning over time.
AI can assist by:
- Refining assignments and materials to better support student learning
- Providing feedback that encourages accountability and improvement
- Supporting revision and iteration to strengthen student work
Used thoughtfully, AI can support both excellence and integrity in the learning process.
Learning in Community (Solidarity and Kinship)
Jesuit education emphasizes building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging where each person’s dignity is recognized and respected.
AI can support inclusive and connected learning environments when used to enhance participation and access.
AI can be used to:
- Support diverse learners through multiple explanations and perspectives
- Encourage collaborative engagement with AI-generated content
- Help students consider perspectives beyond their own
These practices strengthen community, support collaboration, and reinforce respect for each individual.
Acting with Justice and Care (Service Rooted in Justice and Love)
Jesuit values call us to use our knowledge and talents in service to others, with particular attention to those in need.
AI use should include consideration of its broader human impact and how it affects different communities.
Faculty can help students:
- Examine how AI systems may reflect bias or inequity
- Consider who benefits from AI and who may be excluded
- Reflect on the broader social and ethical implications of AI use
These conversations encourage students to use technology in ways that contribute to the common good.
Promoting Ethical and Responsible Use
Generative AI raises important questions about authorship, accuracy, and integrity.
A Jesuit approach encourages:
- Transparency in how AI is used
- Accountability for one’s own learning and work
- Careful evaluation of information for bias or inaccuracy
Rather than focusing only on restriction, faculty can help students develop ethical habits of use that extend beyond the classroom.
Maintaining Academic Integrity
AI challenges traditional assumptions about student work, but it also creates opportunities to rethink assessment.
Consider:
- Designing assignments that emphasize process, reflection, and application
- Asking students to explain their thinking and decision-making
- Focusing on learning outcomes rather than tool use alone
This approach supports both integrity and authentic learning.
Keeping Human Learning at the Center
AI can increase efficiency, but Jesuit education is not centered on efficiency alone. It is grounded in purpose, meaning, and transformation.
As you explore AI in your teaching, consider:
- How does this support student growth?
- Does this deepen understanding or simply speed up tasks?
- Where is human interaction most essential?
AI is most effective when it creates more space for:
- Dialogue
- Mentorship
- Reflection
Moving Forward
There is no single “right” way to use AI in teaching. What matters is that its use is intentional, aligned with your learning goals, and grounded in the values that define Jesuit education at Xavier.
As you integrate AI into your teaching, consider starting with small, intentional changes, gathering feedback, and refining your approach over time.
By approaching AI with curiosity, reflection, and care, faculty can integrate new technologies while continuing to foster thoughtful, ethical, and engaged learners.
If you have questions or want to learn more, reach out to the Instructional Design & Technology team or browse the Teaching with Technology Generative AI Hub.
Daniel Wooddell
Sr. Instructional Technologist
Teaching with Technology Site Designer