
International Society for Self-Directed Learning
Connecting Self-Directed Learners Around the World
Remembering Dr. Huey Long
38th International Self-Directed Learning Symposium
March 12-14, 2025
University of South Florida, Tampa Campus, College of Education
Join us at the International Journal of Self-Directed Learning Annual Symposium!

Draft Program
Self-Directed Learning for a Changing World: A Virtual Summit
February 3-5, 2021
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM United States Eastern Time (New York)
New York
February 3, 2021
11:00 AM
Paris
February 3, 2021
5:00 PM
Pretoria
February 3, 2021
6:00 PM
Taipei
February 4, 2021
Midnight
Day 1 Theme: SDL: Why and What
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
11:00 AM Welcome and Introduction of Keynote
Lucy Guglielmino, Chair, ISSDL Board
11:10 AM
Navigating Crisis, Ambiguity, and Technological Advancement: Optimizing Learner Self-Direction to Meet the Challenges
Naomi Boyer, Education Design Lab
11:40 AM
Questions and Answers, Discussion
11:55 AM
Break
12:05 PM
Panel and Conversation: Defining SDL
The Classic Knowles Definition
Lila Holt, University of Tennessee
The ISSDL Definition
Kelly McCarthy, University of South Florida
The PPC Model(process)
Ralph Brockett, University of Tennessee (Emeritus)
Rog Hiemstra, Syracuse University (Emeritus)
SDL Characteristics and Correlates
Lucy Guglielmino, Florida Atlantic University (Emeritus)
Questions and Answers, Discussion
1:10 PM
Poster Sessions
1:55 PM
Preview of Thursday, February 4 Sessions
Day 2 Theme: SDL Around the World, Across Disciplines, and in All Educational Contexts
Thursday, February 4, 2021
11:00 - 11:05 Welcome and Overview
11:05 -11:10 Activity
Panel and Conversation: SDL in Action Across the World
11:10 – 11:25
From SDL to Personalized Learning and Student Agency: Creating Deeper Learning Paths for Learners Worldwide
James Bellanca, Executive Director (retired),
Illinois Consortium for 21st Century Learning
11:30-11:45
The Path to SDL as a Strategic Initiative and Research Focus Group at North-West University, South Africa
Elsa Mentz, Professor and
Director of NWU Research Focus Group
11:45-12:00
SDL as a Key Competency in the New Taiwan National K-12 Curriculum Guidelines
Chang-Hua Chen, National Academy for Educational Research,
Ken-Zen Chen, National Chiao-Tung University
TAIWAN
12:00-12:10 Question and Answers, Discussion
12:10-12:20 Break
12:20-1:05
Networking Sessions
K-12 *Kevin Currie
Adult and Higher Ed. *Mike Ponton
HRD *Naomi Boyer
Medical Education *Kelly McCarthy, Shelley Payne
*Moderator
1:10-1:55 Poster Sessions
1:55 Preview of Friday, February 5 Sessions
Day 3 Theme: Preparing Facilitators and Learners for SDL
Friday, February 5, 2021
11:00 - 11:05 Welcome and Overview
11:05 -11:10 Activity
11:10-11:30
Preparing Learning Facilitators for Fostering SDL
Robert Bulik, University of Texas Academy of Health Sciences Education (Emeritus), LPI Global Consultants
11:35-11:55
Designing the New Learning Context
Brandi Kenner, Founder and CEO, Choice-Filled Lives Network
11:55-12:20 Questions and Answers, What can you use ?
12:20-12:30 Break
12:35-12:55
Introducing Learners to SDL in a Variety of Settings: Business, Medical, K-12, and Higher and Adult Ed
Lucy Guglielmino, Florida Atlantic University (Emeritus)
1:00-1:20 Using Technology to Promote SDL
Lila Holt, University of Tennessee
Shelley Payne, Otterbein University
1:20-1:55 Question Answers and Discussion What Can You Use?
1:55 Wrap-Up, information on evaluation, and next year’s dates