Davydenko O. The organization of secret education in Poland during World War II

The thesis deals with the problem of secret education in Poland during World War II. On the basis of the review of national and international documents as well as archive materials the problem of organization of secret education in Poland during World War II has been investigated. The historical and pedagogical analysis of this problem in pedagogical theory has been conducted; the periodization of formation and development of secret polish education during the Nazi occupation (1939-1945) has been defined; basic notions of the research have been specified. The process of secret education organization includes three periods: the first (1939-1941) - the origin of secret education and its further formation; the second (1941-1944) - the intensive development of secret education; the third (1944-1945) - the cessation of secret education. Basic notions of the study (secret education, the organization of secret education, complete sets, matriculation etc.) are classified. Special attention is paid to the interpretation of the term "the organization of secret education", which denominates the process of arrangement and growth of a network of secret establishments or their local centres where teaching activities according to pre-war curricula or with significant changes in the plans approved by German educational administration were performed. The confirmation to it was 1943-1944 academic year which turned out to be the most intensive period of secret education at all levels. Widespread character of secret training during helped to avoid a gap in education and to ensure its continuity, which allowed educational authorities to renovate the above-mentioned sector in the post-war period faster. The thesis outlines the main tendencies of secret education development: the predetermination of the emergence of secret education by German administration policy; the leading role of Polish educational organizations, as well as pedagogical staff in the enlargement of secret teaching; the network outspread of secret learning institutions or centres; the usage of less traditional forms and methods in teaching; the transformation of secret education because of governmental change in the country. Due to scientific analysis the activity of the Department of Education and Culture of Secret Government in exile, the Educational and School District Office of Western regions, Secret Teaching Organization has been examined. They are known to have made a significant contribution to secret education organization. On the basis of the obtained research materials a special course of study and recommendations under the title "The development of secret education and pedagogical ideas in Poland during the Nazi occupation (1939-1945)" have been worked out.