samoksztacenie

Samokształcenie, also called self-education, is the process by which individuals acquire knowledge and skills outside formal schooling, driven by personal interest, career needs, or both. It involves setting learning goals, planning study activities, and selecting resources such as books, courses, or practice projects. It can complement formal education, fill gaps when access to schooling is limited, or serve lifelong learning. While it shares with autodidacticism the emphasis on autonomy, samokształcenie typically acknowledges some form assessment or credential, even if informal.

Common methods include reading, online courses (MOOCs), video tutorials, hands-on practice, project work, and participation in study groups or mentoring relationships. Tools like libraries, open educational resources, and expert communities facilitate self-directed learning.

Benefits include flexibility, lower cost, and the ability to tailor learning to personal goals. Challenges include the need for discipline, time management, and critical evaluation of sources. Quality and recognition of learning may vary, and progress can be hard to demonstrate to employers.

In the modern era, samokształcenie is often framed within the broader concept of lifelong learning, supported by digital platforms that enable continuous skill development across professions and domains.