Self-determination is a complex concept with deep historical roots. Rather than review the various meanings and history of this construct, the following is intended to help the reader understand what we mean by self-determination. It is important to understand this concept in order to understand the model, how the model works, and how the model differs from a typical teacher or instructor directed model to a consumer directed, problem solving model. The reader is encouraged to refer to Wehmeyer (2001) for additional information on the history and development of this construct. Self Determination: Wehmeyer (1992) states that self-determination refers to the attitudes and abilities required to act as the “primary causal agent in one’s life and to make choices regarding one’s actions free from undue external influence or interference” (pp. 305). Wehmeyer, M. L. (1992). Self-determination and the education of students with mental retardation. Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 27, 302-314. Wehmeyer (1996) asserts that “for purposes of education and rehabilitation, self-determination is: best defined in relationship to characteristics of a person’s behavior, viewed as an educational outcome, and achieved through lifelong learning, opportunities, and experiences” (pp. 22). Causal Agent: A causal agent is someone who makes or causes things to happen in his or her life. An act or event is self-determined if the individual’s action(s) reflect four essential characteristics: the individual acted autonomously, the behaviors were self-regulated behavior, the person initiated and responded to event(s) in a ‘psychologically empowered’ manner, and the person acted in a self-realizing manner” (pp. 24). In order to achieve this, a number of component elements of self-determined behavior are suggested: choice making, decision making, problem solving, goal setting, self-evaluation, internal locus of control, positive attribution of efficacy, self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-advocacy. This definition supports self-determination as an educational construct, as well as a developmental one (pp. 66). Wehmeyer, M.L. (1996). Self-determination as an educational outcome: Why is it important to children, youth, and adults with disabilities? In D.J. Sands and M.L. Wehmeyer (Eds.), Self-determination across the lifespan: Independence and choices for people with disabilities (pp. 17-35). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brooks. Self-determined behavior refers to actions that are identified by specific essential characteristics: the person acted autonomously, the behavior(s) were self-regulated, the person initiated and responded to the event(s) in a “psychologically empowered” manner, and the person acted in a self-realizing manner. Wehmeyer, M. (1997). Self-directed learning and self-determination. In M. Agran (Ed.), Student-directed learning: teaching self-determination skills (pp 28-59). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Wehmeyer (2002) stated that “promoting self-determination involves addressing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students will need to take more control over and responsibility for their lives” (pp. 1) and that “self-determined people are causal agents; they make things happen in their lives. They are goal oriented and apply problem-solving and decision-making skills to guide their actions. They know what they do well and where they need assistance. Self-determined people are actors in their own lives instead of being acted upon by others” (pp. 1-2). ..............get more here http://selfdeterminedcareer.lsi.ku.edu/sddef.shtml
Definitions of determination on the Web:
the act of determining the properties of something the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; "his determination showed in his every movement"; "he is a man of purpose" decision: a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration; "a decision unfavorable to the opposition"; "his conclusion took the evidence into account"; "satisfied with the panel's determination" decision: the act of making up your mind about something; "the burden of decision was his"; "he drew his conclusions quickly" wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn local planning authority process to decide whether a proposed development requires planning permission.www.lawsonfairbank.co.uk/planning-glossary.asp The process of commitment of cells to particular fates.helios.bto.ed.ac.uk/bto/glossary/d.htm--------------------------------------------
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