omaaminen

Omaaminen (literally “making it one’s own”) is a Finnish concept used in education, social services, and workforce development. It refers to the process by which individuals take ownership of their actions, learning, and personal development, and engage actively in decisions that affect their lives.

The term is formed from oma, meaning “own,” and -minen, a suffix that marks a noun of action. In Finnish discourse, omaaminen emphasizes agency, resilience, and the co-creation of meaning between individuals and the institutions that support them.

In education, omaaminen describes a pedagogical aim where learners participate actively, reflect on progress, set personal goals, and assume responsibility for tasks and outcomes. It is linked to learner autonomy, authentic assessment, and contexts that connect school work to real-life challenges.

In social services and health care, omaaminen supports person-centered approaches. Clients are invited to define goals, contribute to plans, and evaluate progress, with professionals acting as facilitators rather than sole decision-makers. This aligns with empowerment and self-determination principles.

Practices associated with omaaminen include collaborative goal setting, reflective journals or portfolios, co-designed services, peer mentoring, and transparent feedback. Successful implementation requires supportive organizational cultures, adequate time, and skilled facilitation to balance autonomy with safety and accountability.

Critics warn that without systemic support and cultural alignment, omaaminen can become tokenistic or place excessive responsibility on individuals. Proponents argue that when implemented thoughtfully, it enhances motivation, relevance, and long-term outcomes.