Commissioned by the Institute of National Remembrance, a team of researchers led by Dr Krzysztof Malicki, Professor at the University of Rzeszów (UR), conducted research on the historical awareness of Poles. This is the largest study of its kind in Poland. Their aim was to find out the degree of knowledge about the past presented by the inhabitants of Poland and to check whether historical knowledge provokes reflection and helps understand the present.  

Over 6,000 Poles took part in the research. The team conducted the research on three groups of people: Secondary school students; Poles over the age of 20; History teachers.

According to UR, the results of the research should first and foremost be an impulse for greater reflection on the state of knowledge and historical awareness, especially among young Poles. They reveal dominant attitudes towards history. They also provide answers to questions about the sources from which Poles draw their knowledge of their past. They show which activities, as well as which educational offerings enjoy the greatest interest, producing the best results. 

The full report “Education for Remembrance” will be presented on 15 April.