Speaking at a conference held in the Polish upper house, the Senate, last week, Barbara Nowacka said that history lessons should promote social unity and not be used to create divisions or exclude specific groups.
The conference, entitled How to Teach Modern Polish History: Dilemmas, was organized on September 23 by the Senate in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Center for Educational Development.
It brought together academics, experts, members of parliament and teachers to discuss challenges in teaching Poland’s contemporary history.
In her speech, Nowacka argued that historical events, unlike subjects such as mathematics or science, are open to interpretation and can be susceptible to distortions.
This makes the way history is taught particularly sensitive, especially in regard to shaping national identity, she told the conference.
She also defended teachers' autonomy in adhering to educational standards without undue influence from political figures.
"Teachers have the right to approach their subjects within the framework of the national curriculum in the way they see fit," Nowacka said, adding that teachers should not be subject to pressures from any minister to modify content.
Nowacka noted that a new subject, civic education, would be introduced in schools starting in September 2025.
This course is expected to provide students with a deeper understanding of Poland’s role on both the European and global stages, according to officials.
"The curriculum has already been prepared, and I encourage everyone, especially historians, to review it," Nowacka said.
"Without a good understanding of history, we cannot have a strong society, good citizenship, or true patriotism," she added.
Agnieszka Jankowiak-Maik, a history teacher, spoke to journalists during the event, acknowledging the ongoing controversy surrounding the teaching of modern Polish history.
She said that students are often influenced by the views they encounter at home, which makes it essential for schools to foster critical thinking and encourage students to form their own opinions.
Jankowiak-Maik added that "how history is taught and what methods are used" is just as important as the content itself.
She described herself as a strong advocate of the Oxford debate format, which focuses on building arguments based on facts rather than emotions or opinions.
She believes such an approach encourages neutrality, even in the face of controversial subjects.
The teacher also expressed concern over the current curriculum, describing it as overloaded with facts, dates and names, which can overwhelm students.
She pointed out that even when teachers manage to cover all the material, the knowledge students retain is often minimal.
Historical figures such as Lech Wałęsa or Anna Walentynowicz, key players in Poland’s fight against communism, remain abstract to many young people, according to Jankowiak-Maik.
She also criticized the absence of women in the teaching of modern Polish history, stating that the contribution of women has been “erased” from the narrative.
When asked how the curriculum could be improved, she suggested shifting the focus to what kind of citizens schools aim to produce rather than merely adding more female figures to the list of names students need to memorize.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP