Itsesuuntautuva

Itsesuuntautuva is a Finnish adjective used to describe something that directs itself or is oriented toward its own goals without external steering. The term is applied to processes, systems, or agents that autonomously determine their direction, actions, or development. In educational discourse, itsesuuntautuva oppiminen refers to self-planned, self-monitored, and self-evaluated learning.

Etymology and form: It can be traced to the prefix itse- meaning “self” and suuntautuva, a participial form of suuntautua “to orient toward.” The compound typically modifies nouns, for example itsesuuntautuva oppiminen (self-directed learning) or itsesuuntautuva järjestelmä (self-directed system).

Usage and nuance: The expression appears across fields such as education, psychology, and technology. It emphasizes internal guidance and self-regulation rather than mere independence from others; however, the degree of autonomy depends on context and may range from partly self-guided to fully autonomous systems or behaviors.

Examples: Itsesuuntautuva oppiminen edellyttää oppijalta tavoitteiden asettamista, valintojen tekemistä oppimispolusta ja säännöllistä itsearviointia. Itsesuuntautuva järjestelmä säätää toimintojaan oman tilanneanalyysin perusteella.

See also: itsesuuntautuvuus, itseohjautuvuus, autonominen toiminta.