Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction
The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) is based on the principles of self-determination and student involvement. Wehmeyer (1999) defines self-determination as "acting as the primary causal agent in one's life and making choices and decisions regarding one's quality of life free from undue external influence or interference". A causal agent is someone who makes things happen in his/her own life.
The SDLMI was designed to enable teachers to "teach" students to take greater control over their own learning; to enable students to become causal agents in their lives; and to become self-directed learner. Below are resources and tools developed by the Beach Center on Disability, Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities, University of Kansas, as well as resources created and adapted through the Sherlock Center specifically for Rhode Island educators.
About Self-Determination
- What is Self-Determination? 2 MB
- Why is Promoting Self-Determination Important? 1.3 MB
- Self-Determination and Outcome Measures 705 kb
- Self-Determined Leaning Model of Instruction & Self-Determined Career Development Model 302 kb
- Intervention Elements 159 kb
Whose Future Is It? Training Materials
- Mike Weymeyer Training (youtube video)
- Power Point Presentation from above training, 4.6 MB
Publications and Tools
- Promoting Positive Transition Outcomes for Secondary Students with Intellectual Disability: Impact of Interventions to Enhance Self-Determination and Goal Attainment 2.98 MB
- The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction: A Teacher's Guide 928 kb
- Goal Attainment Scaling Form 30 kb
- Self-Determination Inventory System- Teacher survey 251 kb
- Self-Determination Inventory Self-Report (SDI-SR) 312 kb
- The Satisfaction with Life Scale 7 kb
- Transition Empowerment Scale 55 kb
- Who's Future is it Anyway? 176 kb
- Self-Determination Inventory Self-Report (SDI-SR) 312 kb
- The Satisfaction with Life Scale 7 kb
- Transition Empowerment Scale 55 kb
- Who's Future is it Anyway? 176 kb
- Self-Determination Inventory Self-Report (SDI-SR) - Emoticon Version Part 1 225 kb
- Self-Determination Inventory Self-Report (SDI-SR) - Emoticon Version Part 2 27 kb
- The Satisfaction with Life Scale - Emoticon Version 88 kb
- Transition Empowerment Scale - Emoticon Version 50 kb
Online Training Modules
The following training modules provide an overview of each of the three phases of SDLMI. Specific examples are provided in each. The modules are a work in progress. Additional examples will be added to each module over the course of the coming year.
- SDLMI Phase 1 1.9 MB | SDLMI Phase 1 8.9 MB
- SDLMI Phase 2 157 kb | SDLMI Phase 2 194 kb
- SDLMI Phase 3 468 kb | SDLMI Phase 3 3.9 MB
Goal Attainment Scaling Examples
- Blank Goal Attainment Scaling Form 14.2 kb
- Download All Examples 33 kb
- I want to learn how to make cupcakes by myself 10.5 kb
- I want to learn about the day cares I can work at 10.2 kb
- I want to learn how to make pizza 10.1 kb
- I want to learn how to shave by myself 10.3 kb
- I want to learn how to obtain my driver's license 10.1 kb
- I want to become more independent when I vacuum the main office 10.2 kb
- I want to identify five businesses in the neighborhood that could be employment prospects 10.2 kb
- I want to help others by assisting my friends who use wheelchairs to "specials" 10.3 kb
- I want to learn the road signs in preparation to take driver's education 10.3 kb
- I want to become more involved in student activities and meet new friends 10.1 kb
- I want to learn how to play a new game 10.1 kb
- I want to be able to independently write a check 9.8 kb
Contact Information
For information on the SDLMI initiative in Rhode Island, contact Terri LaPlante, Sherlock Center, 401-456-4737 or email tlaplante@ric.edu.
| SDLMI Phase 1 8.9 MB | SDLMI Phase 2 194 kb | SDLMI Phase 3 3.9 MB 
W3C approved.