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The International Self-Directed Learning Symposium provides an international forum for the discussion of important current developments in the study and application of self-directed learning (SDL). The International Society for Self-Directed Learning (ISSDL) defines SDL as “an intentional learning process that is created and evaluated by the learner.”  The symposium offers a collaborative space for researchers, theorists, and practitioners to present their work for feedback and elaboration. Many symposium presenters use this feedback to prepare submissions for the International Journal of Self-Directed Learning. Program structure includes large group sessions as well as small group interaction opportunities. 

 

Theoreticians, researchers, and practitioners are invited to submit a one- to two-page proposal for one of our submission categories. Submissions concerning SDL can be from any educational context or any age group, including childhood education, higher education, adult education, training and human resource development, or lifelong learning. Please note that the submission categories and submission guidelines have been revised for 2025!  We will not have virtual presentations at this year’s symposium time; however, the Planning Committee is looking forward to offering virtual presentations throughout the year as webinars.

 

Participants have opportunities to learn (a) the results of recent research on SDL, (b) new developments in the application of SDL ideas in diverse settings, (c) how to assess employees’ and students’ SDL orientations, and (d) how to develop and strengthen SDL propensities and abilities. In addition, a number of important networks and collaborative relationships have been developed by symposium participants.

 

The submission categories are listed below. Please note that final submission details are provided for each category as well.  The deadline for the one- to two-page proposals is October 15, 2024.  Notifications will be made by November 1, 2024. Final paper submissions, from accepted proposals, will be due on February 1, 2025.

 

 

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Symposium Proposal Submission Categories & Guidelines

 

1. All submissions should be original presentations and not previously published or presented. Proposals should clearly indicate the submission category for the proposal.

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2. All submissions should address aspects of SDL and should reflect the ISSDL definition of SDL. Some suggested topics include but are not limited to the following:

A. theory, research methods, conceptualizations and SDL applications;

B. SDL in continuing professional education;

C. SDL in distance education;

D. SDL in human resource development (business and industry or in the voluntary and governmental sectors);

E. SDL aspects of lifelong learning; and

F. SDL in any school level (elementary to higher education; professional education).

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3. Proposals should be one- to two-pages in length for the categories listed below:

Research Paper:  Proposals and final paper submissions should include the following categories as appropriate: Overview, Purpose/Problem, Sample/Population, Instrumentation, Procedures, Major Findings, and Conclusions sections.  Research Paper presentations at the symposium will include a formal presentation and question and answer session in a 45-minute time block.  Presenters should be prepared to submit a formal paper and a PowerPoint presentation by the February 1st deadline.

 

Practice Brief:  Proposals should include an abstract that frames a particular practice that has helped to support SDL in an educational or workplace setting.  The abstract should include a description of the practice and provide a framework for the theoretical connection to SDL. Practice Brief presentations at the symposium will include a formal presentation and question and answer session in a 45-minute time block.  Presenters should be prepared to submit a formal paper and a PowerPoint presentation by the February 1st deadline.

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Roundtable: Proposals should include an abstract that frames the topic for discussion and details the methods for participant engagement during the session.  The purpose of the focused dialogue format is to allow presenters/facilitators to engage participants in discussion around a given topic.  This category of submission can include work that is still in the development stages or “incomplete” and can allow the authors to gain feedback from the group on how to strengthen their scholarly work.  PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE ELIMINATED THE POSTER CATEGORY FOR THIS YEAR.  IF YOU WOULD HAVE SUBMITTED A POSTER PROPOSAL, PLEASE CONSIDER USING THE ROUNDTABLE CATEGORY!  Presenters/facilitators will be given a 45-minute session block and expected to provide a framework for the discussion and have questions or activities prepared to stimulate participant involvement and engagement.  Once a roundtable is accepted to the symposium, the detailed outline that includes methods for participant engagement should be sufficient for a final submission.  If the authors would like to submit additional materials for participants to access, those final materials are due February 1st.

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Panel:  Proposals should include an abstract that frames the topic for discussion and details the credentials or expertise of panel members. The purpose of the panel is to allow panel presenters a chance to approach a given topic surrounding SDL from a variety of viewpoints. Panelists will be given a 45-minute session block and expected to provide a framework for the panel.  PowerPoint presentations that typically support a panel presentation are due by February 1st.

 

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4. Proposals are due by October 15, 2024. Notification of proposal acceptance will be made by November 1, 2024.

 

5. To begin submission of your proposal, please complete the following form:

Link To Proposal Submission

 

6. After completion of the form, you must email your proposal saved in Word Normal format to issdl.sdlglobal@gmail.com. The proposal should be labeled with the lead author’s last name and the year; for example: Long.2022sym.doc.

 

The email should also include a headshot of each presenter suitable for a conference program (preferably a jpeg file); note the following:

• Digital camera picture only on the highest resolution setting.

• Head and shoulder shot, looking at the camera, with a plain background if possible.

• If there are religious or social objections to being pictured in the program or having your email in the program, please indicate that on your cover sheet.