Autonomy (along with competence and relatedness) is a key pillar of Self-Determination Theory. As highlighted in the CL principle of group autonomy, groups provide a tool for learners to be less dependent on educators, at the same time that they build support networks that everyone, even the most competent people, need. Autonomy does not mean doing / being alone all the time, although being able to work alone is important and fits with the CL principle of individual accountability.

Self-Determination Theory links closely with intrinsic motivation, the idea that we are most satisfied when we can choose what we do. When working in CL groups, students need to learn how to combine the group and individual. This is not easy, but it is an important life skill. Group members need to be accountable, but not just for themselves; they also need to be accountable for the success of the group, which means being accountable for the success of each group member.