Challenges and Solutions in V4 Education: Poland

The event was opened by János Setényi, Director of the Learning Institute, followed by Filip Ludwin, Doctor of Law and Head of the Publishing Department, who introduced the roundtable discussion’s topic.

Filip Ludwin highlighted the renewed interest in classical education and the humanities in higher education, as these disciplines provide students with a broad worldview and critical thinking skills. However, the current system primarily prepares students for employment in multinational corporations, emphasizing practical skills over a deeper understanding of cultural, ethical, and philosophical subjects. Some experts advocate for a balanced curriculum that includes mandatory humanities courses, enabling students not only to develop practical skills but also to gain a more holistic understanding of society and their role within it.

Following this, moderators Enikő Szakos and Richárd Fodor, researchers at the Learning Institute, initiated the discussion with questions such as: How has Poland’s education system evolved? What are the successes and challenges of recent reforms? What are the effects of changes like the elimination of homework and the "Past and Present" subject? What role does classical education play in Polish universities?

Liliana Smiech, Director General of International Relations at the National University of Public Service and Chair of the Board of the Warsaw Institute Foundation, emphasized that one of the primary concerns was the intense focus on exam preparation. Polish students are often trained primarily to pass standardized tests rather than to develop critical thinking, creativity, or problem-solving skills. Many parents invest heavily in additional courses aimed solely at improving test scores, reinforcing a system that prioritizes exam performance over genuine learning. In contrast, educational models in countries like Finland encourage students to think independently and engage deeply with content. This contrast underscores the need for Poland to rethink the purpose of education and foster intellectual curiosity rather than rote memorization.

Another significant challenge is the lack of financial and social support for teachers, contributing to the decline in the quality and prestige of the teaching profession. Low salaries and minimal professional requirements have eroded the once-elite status of the profession, making it less attractive to highly qualified individuals. Increasing financial and training support for teachers could help attract and retain skilled professionals while improving the profession’s societal perception.

Filip Ludwin also pointed out that frequent political changes in Poland have led to instability in the education system. Every new government introduces a wave of reforms, using education as a tool for political agendas. This inconsistency disrupts the learning environment and hinders the implementation of long-term development strategies. Many experts argue that education should be a bipartisan issue, with reforms focused on the long-term benefits for students rather than political objectives.

Liliana Smiech highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding homework, especially in the context of artificial intelligence. While homework is essential for developing discipline and reinforcing learning, the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has changed students’ attitudes toward assignments. This raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional homework in skill development and whether AI has the potential to transform education. Although younger students do not yet widely use AI, its increasing accessibility suggests that educational approaches need to be reconsidered, balancing technology with traditional learning methods.

A shared vision that prioritizes stability over political division could help create a more effective education system that serves all students equitably. While opinions differ on the role of privatization and other structural changes, there is broad agreement that educational reform should prioritize consistency and adaptability to prepare future generations for a rapidly changing world.