What are self-determination skills?

Self-determination skills are fundamentally about empowering individuals to make choices and exercise control over their own lives. This includes skills that enable a person to set goals, make decisions, and take actions that align with their values and interests. The emphasis is on autonomy and the ability to act independently, which is crucial for personal development and self-advocacy.

People with strong self-determination skills are more likely to plan their futures, understand their rights, and advocate for their needs. This skill set is essential for fostering a mindset of growth and independence, which is particularly important in educational settings and beyond.

In contrast, the other options focus either on narrow aspects of skill development or promote a lack of independence and initiative. For instance, academic performance alone does not encompass the broader range of self-determination skills required for effective life management. Similarly, skills specific to group projects do not typically address individual choice-making. Maintaining a dependency on teachers negates the very essence of self-determination as it fosters reliance rather than independence.