Symposium Proposal Submissions
LearningSymposium (ISDLS), Feb. 3–5, 2027
The ISDLS planning committee invites presentation proposals that speak to the scholarship,
practice, and lived experience of self-directed learning across diverse contexts. We welcome
contributions that are theoretically grounded, empirically informed, practice-based, and dialogic.
The proposal process will open on July 1, 2026 and close on October 15, 2026. International
participants are encouraged to submit prior to the deadline, preferably by September 1, 2026 in
order to allow significant review time and the processing of international travel paperwork. The
review process will take place on a rolling basis with a schedule identified by the peer-review
scholarship committee.
For the 2027 ISDLS, we invite proposals for sessions that align with one of four symposium
presentation categories:
● research presentations (empirical or conceptual),
● posters,
● practice briefs, and
● roundtables.
Submissions from graduate students are especially encouraged.
Symposium Submission Guidelines
All proposals must be submitted electronically to the planning committee (email proposals to
societyforselfdirectedlearning@gmail.com ), should be titled with lead author’s last name and
symposium year (e.g., Long2027.doc), and must include a cover page that includes the
following:
1. presentation title and list of all authors in order of contribution with institutional affiliations
(as appropriate);
2. name, address, telephone number, and email address of the lead author;
3. names and email addresses for all coauthors;
4. a 50-word abstract suitable for inclusion in the symposium program;
5. brief bios (50 words) of each author
6. Agreement to the Symposium warrant from the lead author
General Symposium Information
The International Self-Directed Learning Symposium provides a global forum for discussing key 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 creates a collaborative environment for researchers, theorists, and practitioners to present their work for feedback and further development.
Many presenters use this feedback to prepare submissions for the International Journal of Self-Directed Learning.
The program includes both large-group sessions and 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 but not limited to childhood education, higher education, adult education, training and human resource development, gaming/game design, instructional technology, informal/non-formal education or lifelong learning.
We will not have virtual presentations in 2026; 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 applying SDL ideas in various settings, industries and contexts, (c) how to evaluate employees’ and students’ SDL orientations, and (d) how to develop and strengthen SDL tendencies and skills.
Additionally, symposium participants have built important networks and collaborative relationships, including interaction with renowned scholars in the field.
Please note that final submission details are provided for each category as well. The deadline for the one- to two-page proposals is (information upcoming for 2027). Notifications will be made by November 7, 2025. Final paper submissions, from accepted proposals, will be due on (information upcoming for 2027).