Department of Studies on Educational Systems and Processes

Head of Department: Professor Anna Wiłkomirska

The theoretical analyses and empirical studies conducted by the staff of the Department of Studies on Educational Systems and Processes focus on the following areas:

1. Comparative education – comparative analyses of educational systems and solutions in selected countries;
2. Educational policy – examination of historical, social, economic, demographic, and geographical determinants and their impact on the development of educational policy principles in selected countries;
3. Didactics – analysis of teaching principles and methods, with particular attention to the needs of the academic environment;
4. Teacher education – analysis of initial teacher education programmes and continuing professional development for teachers and professionals in the education and care sectors;
5. Social determinants of education – analysis of mechanisms of social allocation within the social structure; research on the social outcomes of education; systems of value (ideological) transmission; school socialisation; evaluation of the effects of educational reforms; and globalisation processes in education;
6. Educational inequalities – analysis of risks of educational and social exclusion;
7. Educational measurement – examination of factors influencing educational effectiveness and equity, as well as school assessment practices;
8. Evaluation of educational institutions – school culture, mentoring of teachers and school leaders, cooperative learning, and peer support;
9. Psychophysical condition of students and teachers – student and parent well-being, and peer relationships at school;
10. The role and practice of the school counsellor/pedagogue;
11. Early childhood, preschool, and early primary education, including:
    – staff education and professional development,
    – development and implementation of institutional strategies and policies (particularly in building communities of practice),
    – fostering children’s social competences;
12. Alternative education – analysis of students’ needs, the educational engagement of parents and teachers, and education outside the public school system;
13. Out-of-school education for children and adults – research on social networks and support for peer relationships;
14. Methodology – development of expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods.