Hæfnismöppunar

Hæfnismöppunar is a conceptual framework originating from Icelandic pedagogical theory, primarily associated with early childhood education. The term itself is a compound of "hæfni," meaning competence or skill, and "möppunar," derived from "möppu," meaning folder or portfolio. Thus, hæfnismöppunar translates roughly to "competence portfolio" or "skills portfolio."

The core idea behind hæfnismöppunar is to move away from traditional assessment methods that focus solely on predetermined outcomes or grades. Instead, it emphasizes the ongoing observation and documentation of a child's development, learning processes, and emerging skills. This is achieved through the systematic collection of evidence, which can include children's work, teacher observations, photographs, audio recordings, and self-reflections. This collected material is then organized into a portfolio that represents the child's unique learning journey.

The purpose of hæfnismöppunar is not to rank children but to provide a holistic and individualized picture of their progress. It aims to foster self-awareness and self-efficacy in children by allowing them to see their own growth over time. For educators, the portfolio serves as a valuable tool for understanding each child's strengths, challenges, interests, and learning styles, enabling them to tailor their teaching strategies accordingly. Parents also benefit from this approach as it offers a more meaningful and comprehensive insight into their child's educational experiences than traditional report cards. The focus is on process over product, celebrating the journey of learning and the development of a wide range of competencies.