Conceptualizations of self-directed learning have emphasized the social characteristics of learner isolation or social autonomy, neglecting the importance of pedagogical and psychological factors. However, psychological self-directedness or psychological control is the necessary and sufficient cause for self-directed learning and best…

This article presents a rationale for including self-determination in special education curricula. It describes a framework for providing choices, based on an analysis of risk and benefits, and compares assessment approaches and teaching strategies. The recommended approach emphasizes criterion-referenced assessments that are setting specific.…

Contends that empowerment and student autonomy strongly correlate with self-confidence; that this increases with incremental successes; and that any success is the outcome of acquiring and applying appropriate skills. Argues that geography students will be better life-long learners if they are taught enabling skills early in their programs. (DSK)

A study examined the level of sexual-abuse knowledge and self-protection skills in 77 female Chinese adolescents with mild mental retardation. Participants were more able to recognize inappropriate than appropriate touches and sexual requests. Also, they were inadequate in protecting themselves and had difficulty in reporting sexual abuse.…

Reviews the literature on the social integration of people with intellectual disability. Describes a support model in Italy which views self-esteem as resulting from the social integration of service users as a peer group rather than as individuals, while encouraging independence in the form of paid employment. (DB)

Examined elementary students' evaluations of decision-making procedures in different social contexts. Found that consensus was preferred in peer and family contexts and authority-based procedures were preferred for school curricular decisions. Older children were more likely than younger to consider how children's limited knowledge and competence…

Two studies investigated relationship between adolescents' subjective age and self-reported problem behavior, autonomy, and peer relationships. Findings indicated that older subjective age among 15-year olds correlated positively with problem behaviors, behavioral autonomy, and involvement with other-sex peers. When chronological age and pubertal…

Discusses next generation distance education systems, which include research in cognitive science, systems science, and communication theory to provide a learning environment with student autonomy congruent to prior learning, learning objectives, and content materials to be mastered. Describes Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), object…

This article describes how the East Tennessee Technology Access Center is coordinating the use of new computer math programs designed for elementary children with and without disabilities. The use of the computer software to develop math skills, improve literacy, and increase the independence of students with disabilities is discussed. (Contains…

Discussion of self-direction in adult education, andragogy, and open learning focuses on a study that examined ways in which new students adjusted to part-time study in Hong Kong. Highlights include results of interviews with students; personal autonomy; time management; developing study skills; and assistance towards self-direction. (Author/LRW)

A study involving three elementary students with emotional/behavioral disorders in a self-contained special education classroom compared the effects of choice and no choice conditions on academic and social behaviors. Opportunities to make choices during academic situations positively affected the academic and social behaviors of two of the three…

This article notes the increasing emphasis on self-determination in the school-to-adulthood transition movement, describes four self-determination models, and outlines instructional programs to promote self-determination in students with learning disabilities. Emerging issues are identified, including redefinition of roles, importance of taking…

This article examines the personal, cultural, and familial meanings of adulthood as applied to individuals who have significant cognitive disabilities and language disorders. The personal support agent strategy is presented as one way to help adults with significant disabilities fulfill the promises of adulthood and independent living, and a case…

Among 290 Mexican American ninth graders in south Texas, perceived freedom to choose leisure activities was related to participation in leisure pursuits. Girls' nonparticipation in peer-centered leisure activities was related to lack of perceived competence, while boys' nonparticipation was related to inability of leisure pursuits to satisfy…

The ethical issues surrounding early intervention services to young children with disabilities are discussed. The conflict between parental autonomy and paternalistic interventions is evaluated. Value-based intervention decisions, such as parent choice of alternative therapies, refusal of services, and family-centered versus child-centered care,…