Aukaverkefni

Aukaverkefni is a term used in Icelandic education to describe tasks or assignments that accompany standard coursework but are in addition to it. The exact use and weight of aukaverkefni vary by institution and program, and the term is applied across different levels of education, from secondary schools to universities. In many cases, aukaverkefni are optional rather than mandatory, but they can also be used to meet specific requirements in some courses.

The purpose of aukaverkefni is to deepen understanding, encourage independent work, and provide students with opportunities to demonstrate mastery beyond the core assignments. They can take several forms, including extended essays, research projects, additional problem sets, creative or practical assignments, or applied tasks. In some contexts, completing aukaverkefni can offer extra credits or serve as a means to improve a course grade, though this depends on institutional policy.

Evaluation and administration are determined by the course or program. Policies cover what constitutes an aukaverkefni, submission deadlines, and assessment criteria. The results may be graded separately or incorporated into the final course grade, and instructors or departments typically decide how much weight the aukaverkefni carry. Approval processes and formats may also vary; some tasks require prior permission or supervision.

Students should consult the course syllabus or speak with instructors to understand whether aukaverkefni are available, the requirements, and how they impact progression or graduation. Since practices differ, terminology and implementation can differ under related concepts such as optional assignments or enrichment tasks.