Sjálfsnám

Sjálfsnám, or autodidacticism, is the practice of acquiring knowledge and skills through self-directed study rather than through formal instruction. It involves setting learning goals, selecting resources, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes. Sjálfsnám is closely associated with lifelong learning and personal or professional development, and it can complement or substitute for traditional schooling depending on individual needs.

Etymologically, sjálfsnám derives from the Icelandic words sjálfs- meaning “self” and nám meaning “learning.” In Icelandic contexts, the term is used to describe the act of teaching oneself or pursuing education outside established curricula, often leveraging modern digital resources.

Common approaches to sjálfsnám include goal setting, deliberate practice, project-based learning, and the use of diverse materials such as books, online courses, tutorials, and open educational resources. Learners typically curate their own programs, maintain progress records, and seek feedback through peer communities or mentors. Technology has expanded autodidactic possibilities through platforms for courses, coding challenges, language practice, and collaborative projects.

Benefits of sjálfsnám include flexibility, cost efficiency, personalization, and the development of self-regulation and problem-solving skills. Challenges can include limited access to structured guidance, potential gaps in foundational knowledge, uneven quality of resources, and difficulties in obtaining formal recognition or credentials for self-taught competencies. Mitigating strategies include engaging with learning communities, seeking mentors, maintaining reflective journals, and aligning self-directed work with clear standards or portfolios.

In education policy and practice, saolfsnám is often discussed in relation to self-directed learning, lifelong learning skills, and credentialing through portfolios or micro-credentials. See also autodidacticism and self-directed learning.