Exchange of experiences and discussion of the types of innovations, their importance and implementation in preschool and early childhood education – these were the topics to which the 1st International Scientific and Methodological Conference at WSEI University was devoted. The event took place on April 3-4, 2025 and brought together a large number of scientists, practitioners and students from Poland and abroad.
During the two days, participants had the opportunity to listen to plenary lectures, take part in thematic sections, practical workshops and a panel discussion. The program also included a study visit to a Montessorian school and presentations by students of the Science Circle “Progressus”
PhD Małgorzata Artymiak, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, noted that conferences like this have never been as necessary as they are now - serving as a space for exchanging ideas, experiences, and inspiration: - This is an excellent tool that allows us to jointly search for answers to current, often pressing challenges. I congratulate the organizers on their initiative and determination. This conference is truly a powerful event - she emphasized.
Jarosław Pakuła, Chairman of the Lublin City Council, added: - We are facing a demographic crisis, expressed in a declining birth rate. It is important to realize that educational institutions are entering challenging and competitive times, where success can only be achieved through the quality of the educational offer. That is why this conference is so important. Education must keep up with change and development, meet the expectations of children, and sometimes compensate for shortcomings in the home environment. I remain hopeful that the innovative educational solutions presented at this conference will be implemented and contribute to the pedagogical success of the teachers who use them, as well as the educational success of their students.
- I would like us at this conference to reflect together on the challenges, but also on new actions we can take to support the development of our youngest - said Monika Król, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture for Entrepreneurship, Creative Industries, and International Projects at the Lublin City Office. What we implement from the earliest years is reflected in adult life. It is also worth noting that Lublin-based companies are increasingly focusing on the development of soft skills. I hope this conference will inspire us all - and we are in the City of Inspiration.
- In preschools and schools, we create educational situations so that children can act and discover. Much depends on the teacher -the innovator who is not afraid of change and who, with a degree of flexibility and openness, introduces children to a new world of meanings, noted Dr. Jolanta Karbowniczek, Coordinator of the Preschool and Early Childhood Education Program.
She emphasized: - Our conference features very interesting presentations on participatory and experimental research in art, music, and intercultural education. The innovations presented here by outstanding speakers - scholars from various centers across Poland and abroad - are crucial for didactics, methodology, and further research in this area. We cannot imagine preschool and early childhood education without these innovations.
The plenary sessions featured inspiring presentations on topics such as the child as a researcher, experiments in science education, content integration, Glenn Doman's method, art and intercultural education, early music education, STEAM strategies, and innovations in the Zamość region.
A discussion panel with directors and teachers from Lublin’s educational institutions focused on the practical aspects of implementing innovations. Participants actively engaged in workshops and thematic sessions. To conclude, students prepared an interactive prize wheel for attendees.
The conference was summarized by Dr. Jolanta Karbowniczek, who emphasized the high substantive level and fruitful exchange of experiences: - The 'Innovations in Preschool and Early Childhood Education' conference was a valuable forum for exchanging knowledge and best practices, which will certainly contribute to the further development of innovative approaches in early education.
The event was held under the Honorary Patronage of President of Lublin and the Lublin School Superintendent.
WSEI University
4 Projektowa St.,
20-209 Lublin