Аннотация:The aim of this chapter is to propose a model of the self-determination process, based on the cultural-historical view on human motivation. Before describing the model itself, the author elaborates the main ideas about human motivation, originated in the framework of cultural-historic approach in the broad sense of the term. Higher forms of motivation (such as self-determination and will) are understood as specific 'motivational abilities' which can be acquired in some social and educational environments but not in others. Relying on the concepts of P. Janet, L.S. Vygotsky, M.M. Bakhtin and B.F. Porshnev, the author considers the motivating speech influence to be the universal 'building block' of the complex social motivating systems, shaping our motivations in a very high degree. An act of speech influence can lead either to simple obedience/disobedience or it can start a real motivational dialogue. The latter is seen as a process in which new motives, desires and decisions emerge. Motivational dialogue can be internalized; in such a case, it is considered to be thr real core of the self-determination process. So, creating a 'dialogical environment' is regarded as the main path for developing the self-determination ability in children.