Lietuvos valstybingumo atkūrimas ir mokyklos pertvarkymo problema 1915–1918 metais

Abstract

The article describes some aspects of school reform in connection with the restoration of Lithuanian statehood. Most attention is given to a very important facet of the school reform, i.e. the implementation of native language instruction in Lithuanian war refugee schools in Russia in 1915-1918. The school reform took place in the political context of the restoration of independence. In 1915-1916 the language of instruction in primary schools and Gymnasiums, established by Lithuanians, was Russian. Therefore measures were taken to introduce uniform writing standards and thus get ready to teach all subjects in Lithuanian. This issue conformed to the idea of reestablishing Lithuanian statehood, educating its people, and preparing them for the work in the future Lithuanian state. People required native language instruction at schools, but the teachers were not ready for that, i. e. they themselves did not know the language well. Lithuanian linguistsand educationalists J. Jablonskis, S. Čiurlionienė, J. Murka, P. Mašiotas, Z. Žemaitis, M. Šikšnys, K. Šakenis, and others coined many terms for all school subjects. In the summer of 1917 courses for primary school teachers started in Voronez, where teachers got acquainted with the methodology of native language instruction, acquired newly established terms, and studied Lithuanian language. Before returning to Lithuania, at the end of 1917 and the beginning of 1918, teaching in a native language was introduced in Lithuanian Gymnasiums. Thus educational institutions in Russia became an important aspect of the revival of Lithuanian school because of the instruction in a native language, new educational content, and the beginning of Lithuanian educational traditions. Young people, having received their education in Russia, became volunteers in the defense of Lithuania's independence as well as civil servants of the state.