Self-Determination
It is important for teachers to teach self-determination skills to students and present students with opportunities to learn self-determination skills.
(Thoma et al., 2009)People who are self-determined are causal agents.
They do that through self-caused action (causal agency) that has a clearly specified goal or purpose or through actions of others taken on one’s own behalf, referred to as proxy agency.
There are multiple ways to think about linking self-determination with academic instruction: problem-solving, advocacy in writing/speaking, goal-setting.
Self-determination focuses on the student at the center of planning and takes into account his/her preferences and interests when discussing transition.
Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction
Not a curriculum, but a method for teaching; focus on planning for the future and understand values of the families
Based on a problem-solving approach and require students to participate in setting the direction
Facilitate with flexibility: Be a guide on the side rather than the sage on the stage!
What is Self-Determination?
Self-determination is a person's ability to control his or her own destiny. A crucial part of the concept of self-determination involves the combination of attitudes and abilities that will lead children or individuals to set goals for themselves and to take the initiative to reach these goals (NASET, 2019).
important for students to become independent - allow for authentic participation
allows students to make choices regarding their transition outcomes and can be based on the students’ strengths, weaknesses, and preferences (Best et al., 2015).
Phase 1: Set a Goal
What do I want to learn?
What do I know about it now?
What must change for me to learn what I don’t know now?
What can I do to make this happen?
Phase 2: Take Action
What can I do to learn what I don’t know?
What could keep me from taking action?
What could I do to remove these barriers?
When will I take action?
Phase 3: Adjust Goal/Plan
What actions have I taken?
What barriers were removed?
What has changed about what I didn’t know?
Do I know what I want to know?
Self- determination has been known to promote greater transition outcomes for individuals with disabilities, specifically when they are involved in their transition planning.
Greater outcomes in the areas of employment, postsecondary education, and qualify of life.
Ensure you are recognizing how personal beliefs and values influence decision making
Identify how beliefs adn values of diverse families may differ from school and staff perspectives
Communicate with families regarding differences and similarities using cross-cultural communication skills
Create opportunities for families to make informed choices and respect these choices
Want to learn more about Self-Determination?
Check out this great resource!
SDLMI Article.pdf