Home education as an alternative form of education in Poland: Management perspective

Abstract

Abstract Purpose There is more and more literature dealing with home education, but this area still seems to be insufficiently explored. The aim of the article is to describe the processes and contexts of home education from the management perspective. Design/methodology/approach Initial recognition of the research subject through a literature review. A synthesising research approach was adopted, integrating the results of literature research and on this basis determining the directions of development of home education in Poland from specific perspectives. Findings One of the more interesting conclusions is the direction of changes in the law on home education: clear though slow changes towards liberalisation. Management of the educational process by parents is characterised by freedom, which translates into a variety of management styles, but two tendencies can be distinguished: conservative and liberal. Taking into account the historical aspect, the characteristic feature of home education today is its egalitarianism, not elitism. Originality/value The history of Polish education is quite complicated. Poland's enslavement by foreign countries resulted in many years of limiting education, including its various forms. Home education as an alternative to elementary schools was reactivated after 1989 and is still in statu nascendi. The article presents in a synthetic way the evolution of home education in Poland, thus outlining the trends in the development of home education from the perspective of management.