And literature? Former eras in the perception of high school pupils – a diagnosis

Abstract

Aim of the research.  An attempt to discover how the literature of former eras is perceived by first-year high school pupils, and to use the information obtained to improve the teaching the Polish language.

 Methodology. The basis for the diagnosis was the results of a survey among first-year high school pupils in Wielkopolska at the end of the 2017-8 school year. The analysis of the material obtained was preceded by a diagnosis of the presence of the literature itself in the program requirements for the first class, as well as an analysis of the requirements set by the "new" high school diploma. The last stage of considerations, based on the results of students' surveys, was formulated from the perspective of the possibilities of an anthropological and cultural approach to the school literature of former eras.  

Results. Analysis of the students' responses has shown that the literature is not a frequent reference point for students finishing their first year of high school. Information gathered during the year-long study on the subject of the Polish language oscillate between the issues of visuality of the era and individual preferences. However, they are not directly connected with the subject. They are closer to the student reception of popular culture or general associations, which make it impossible to positively assess pupil competence in the reception and understanding of literary epochs.  

Conclusion. The anthropological view of student reflections allows for the preliminary development of working methods which postpone old tests beyond the space of obligatory content preceding "real" literary lessons. On the contrary, the life of a man of ancient times, entangled in his culture, is not strictly distant from student experience.