Poznan University Pedagogy at “Secret” University of the Western Lands in Warsaw (1940-1945)

Abstract

Introduction. During the Second World War, besides the fact that Poznan University stayed closed, Poznan University pedagogy was continuing its didactic, research and organizational activities under the „Secret” University of the Western Lands (UZZ) in Warsaw, which was set up in 1940-1945. In the UZZ structure, there was the Department of Humanistic Studies with a pedagogy section.  Research Aim. It is the trial to reconstruct the history of Poznan University pedagogy at UZZ in Warsaw. The short characteristic of secret teaching during the Second World War was done. The circumstances of UZZ origin were shown as well as its organizational and human structure, and pedagogical classes activities under  the Department of Humanistic Studies. The aim is the trial to fill the academic gap, which is the beginning to further, deepened research and analyses. Evidence-based Facts.  There is some information in the related literature connected with the University of the Western Lands in Warsaw but there is no analysis of Poznan educators who supported the secret University in Warsaw with their organizational, didactic and research activities. Summary. Poznan University pedagogy in the structures of  University of the Western Lands  could continue interwar traditions of pedagogical training thanks to Ludwik Jaxa-Bykowski who was the UZZ co-creator and organizer, and who was the head of the Department of Pedagogy and Teaching at Poznan University between 1927 and 1933. Marian Wachowski is mentioned as well. He came from Poznan educators and supported the Department of Humanistic Studies activity.