Selvrettet

Selvrettet is an adjective used in Norwegian to describe actions, processes, or approaches that are directed by the individual themselves rather than by external instruction, supervision, or control. It conveys the idea of autonomous initiative and self-directed agency in pursuing goals or tasks.

Etymology and meaning: Selvrettet is formed from selv- meaning self and rettet, the past participle of rette, meaning to direct or aim. In this sense, something that is selvrettet is organized or guided by the person involved. The term is more common in formal or academic language and is often found in discussions about learning, rehabilitation, or work methods, where emphasis is on personal responsibility and self-management.

Usage and contexts: In education, selvrettet læring describes learning activities that students organize themselves with limited external direction, often supported by resources rather than by direct instruction. In healthcare and rehabilitation, selvrettet programs emphasize patient- or client-led processes, with professionals acting as facilitators rather than primary directors. In organizational settings, selvrettet projects or teams highlight autonomy and self-directed work, with clear goals but self-chosen methods. While widely understood, selvrettet is less common in everyday speech compared with more frequent terms like selvstyrt or selvorganisert, which convey similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

See also: self-directed learning, self-management, autonomous work, self-guided. In English, closest equivalents are self-directed or self-guided, depending on context.