Self-determination is an important skill set that students need when learning how to make choices and decisions based on their own preferences and interests.
Watch the video below to hear more about the meaning of self-determination, and then click the items on the dropdown list to learn more about the core components of these skills.
The skill of making a choice between two known options.
Decision making
The skill of choosing among more than two known options
Problem solving
The skill used when a solution not readily known; decision making and choice making are part of process.
Goal setting/attainment
The skill of determining how you are going to accomplish what you want (setting the goal, plan for implementation and measuring success).
Self-regulation
The process of monitoring one’s own actions. Skills include self-observation, self-evaluation, self- reinforcement
Self-instruction
Skills that assist the student in using their own verbal prompts for solving problems.
Self-advocacy
Skills necessary to be able to speak up or defend a cause or person.
Internal locus of control
The belief that one has control over outcomes that are important to life.
Self-efficacy
The conviction that one can successfully execute the behavior required to produce a given outcome.
Efficacy expectations
The belief that if a specific behavior is performed, it will to lead to anticipated outcomes.
Self-awareness/self-knowledge
The skills of knowing one’s own strengths, weaknesses, abilities and limitations and knowing how to use these unique attributes to beneficially influence one's own life.
