A nationwide study has been launched to reveal how, why, and with whom Poles prefer to learn.
More than half of Poles declare that they are engaged in learning. How do they do it? What guides their choices? And why do others not take part in learning? These and many other questions are to be answered by the study “Learning Among Adult Poles”. The research is being carried out by a team from the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute.
According to various studies, as many as one in three adult Poles take part in additional classes, courses or training sessions. Every second adult learns independently, most often using the Internet, but also relying on support from family and friends. Such informal learning is the most difficult to study, which is why this area of adult educational activity remains relatively little explored.
The coordinator of the study, Dr Marta Petelewicz, explains:
“We want to learn more about how adults in Poland acquire knowledge. We will examine how learning habits and the ways of gaining new skills and qualifications have changed with the growing popularity of remote work and education. We are looking for factors that encourage learning, as well as barriers that make participation in education more difficult. For example, Poles’ educational decisions may be influenced by personal beliefs, previous school experiences, or the impact of their surroundings.”
The study on adult learning in Poland is being conducted on a representative sample. A total of 5,100 people aged 18–69 have been randomly selected to participate. Interviewers will visit respondents between April and July. The first results will be available in 2026. This is the second edition of the study; the first took place in 2020.
In this project, the Educational Research Institute is cooperating with Danae, a leading research and consulting agency with extensive experience in conducting large-scale social studies. The agency carries out dozens of social and marketing studies. However, “projects carried out in the public interest are of particular importance to us,” says Danae’s Managing Director, Dr Marcin Spławski.
Researchers are particularly interested in Poles’ attitudes towards learning. What makes us eager to learn, and what stands in the way? The answers to these questions will help develop new solutions for organising and funding adult learning – solutions that encourage more adults to engage in various educational activities.
This study also supports the development of the Integrated Qualifications System (IQS) – a relatively new public policy tool that integrates all areas of education. The study on adult learning in Poland is therefore directly aligned with the national policy promoting lifelong learning.
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