Self-determination as a positive youth development construct: conceptual bases and implications for curriculum development

Abstract

This paper outlines the conceptualization of self-determination from the perspectives of motivation, skills enhancement and positive youth development. Self-determination, as a positive youth development construct in the Hong Kong Positive Youth Development Program (P.A.T.H.S.), refers to young people's ability to set goals and make choices according to his/her own thinking. In accordance with adolescents' developmental needs, the key components which cultivate self-determination in this Curriculum include self-awareness, goal setting, problem solving and choice making. Eight Units are devised which target at cultivating self-determination as a positive youth construct. In addition, other Units which targets at fostering bonding, social, emotional, cognitive competence, self-efficacy and self-identity also reinforce the cultivation of self-determination. This paper also includes strategies which schools may adopt to foster an autonomy supportive learning environment. ©Freund Publishing House Ltd.