Abstract
The article considers the possibility of applying the theory of personality self-determination to analyze the motivation of schoolchildren. Various examples of behavior in specific situations are given, demonstrating how different types of motivation affect the actions of students and their results. Personal self-determination is a key process that has a significant impact on a person's self-realization, professional choice, and overall well-being. It is especially important to develop this process in the early stages of life, since the decision made by a school graduate largely determines their future. Understanding the motivation of adolescents plays an important role in pedagogical practice. It enables the adjustment of educational programs to increase their effectiveness, the creation of educational work aimed at achieving better results, and helps students choose the most appropriate direction of development. Using the tools of the theory of self-determination, it is possible to build research in such a way as to identify the inner needs of adolescents and analyze the external conditions that affect their motivation and, ultimately, the process of personal self-determination formation. A deep understanding of the process of personal self-determination allows teachers not only to guide teenagers to a conscious choice of profession and path of self-realization but also to provide support in overcoming age-related crises and difficult life situations.