POLISH HIGHER EDUCATION IN A CHANGING EUROPE: SELECTED PROBLEMS AND RESEARCH SUGGESTIONS

Poles have traditionally attached great importance to education. Both the beginning of the Communist period in Polish history and the nascent post‐communist period have been characterized by great emphasis on education on the part of the government and by great interest in it on the part of the people. Education, particularly higher education, will play a major role in preparing Poles to face the rigours of the market economy. It is called upon to provide skills in a number of areas not previously covered in a satisfactory way. informatics, electronics, business administration, and banking. A major means of delivery will have to be distance education. Despite the urge of many Poles to get rich very rapidly, education must continue both to stress traditional values and to further European educational integration.