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 Symposium
Information

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. The program design emphasizes intensive individual participation and group exploration of problems, issues and concepts. Program structure includes large group sessions, small group interaction opportunities, and a host of other options. As noted above, there are both in-person and virtual presentation/participation opportunities.

Participants have opportunities to learn on a variety of topics and practice applications including:

(a) the results of recent research on self-direction in learning,

(b) new developments in the application of self-directed learning ideas in diverse settings,

( c) innovation and trends in learning that are associated with or cultivate the use of self-directed learning in practice,

(d) how to assess employees and students’ self-directed learning orientations, and

(e) how to develop and strengthen self-directed learning propensities and abilities.

In addition, a number of important networks and collaborative relationships have been developed by symposium participants.

Publication Opportunity:

After presentation at the Symposium, many participants choose to submit their Symposium papers to the International Journal of Self-Directed Learning. 

 

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. The program design emphasizes presentations of recent research findings, intensive individual participation, and group exploration of problems, issues and concepts.

 

Program structure includes large group sessions as well as small group interaction opportunities. Presentations opportunities include: original research with discussion, posters, roundtables, practice briefs, and panels. The Symposium Planning Committee welcomes new and innovative topics and presentation styles.

Hotel Information

 

The Symposium will be held University of South Florida, College of Education. Register now to reserve your spot!Room and special rates have been arranged at the Home2 Suites,and Embassy Suites by Hilton.  

Student Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are made available each year.  Application information can be found on the student scholarship page.

Call for Papers

The deadline for the one- to two-page proposals is October 15, 2025!

We appreciate and value all of your submissions. 

For general information on how to submit a proposal to do a presentation or poster, please visit our Call for Papers page.

Presenters & Reactors

What do you need to know for presenting or reacting to a session?  Find the information here.

Get Registered

Registration is online.  Students needing help with registration cost should see the student scholarship information below. Registration

 

Check-in at 8:00am March 12, 2025- Open Research Collaboration Time in the afternoon of March 14 and morning of March 15, 2025.

More information

The Symposium brings together educators in all types of learning environments, researchers, learners, and practitioners from around the world to explore innovative approaches, new concepts, research, and applications of self-directed learning.

From Attendees

​​​​​​​​There is no better way to tell you about the symposium than through the words of people who have attended in the past.  Attendees from a wide range of fields, such as education, medicine, engineering, art, and nursing have enjoyed the symposium in the past and contribute to the rich intellectual environment.

HRD Practitioners

The Self-directed Learning Symposium has been an extremely valuable place to share ideas with other researchers and HRD practitioners.

From Professors

One of the most worthwhile conferences I have ever attended. Great opportunities to network with others involved in SDL. I appreciate the supportive atmosphere, and the emphasis on encouraging graduate student participation.

From Professors

The Symposium has done wonders for me and my colleague. The interaction gave me new insights and understanding. I have told my friends in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and Australia about your good work and hope that I can persuade them to join me next year.

From Professors

I have attended the SDL Symposium for the past ten years and always find something that I can take back that is beneficial. The value of the SDL Symposium for me is that we talk across boundaries and form a true learning community.

From Students

"The Symposium was a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the major researchers in self-directed learning. . . . I think it should be on a “must attend list” for any student, practitioner, or faculty member interested in this line of research and literature. . . ."

From Students

"Oh, what a great opportunity!.... I cannot say enough about the SDL Symposium. There is no way to duplicate the experience of sitting at a table with an author and researcher you have read and admired at a distance. . . ."

From Students

"The symposium was an inspiring educational experience. I felt I was in the presence of giants in the field and gained valuable knowledge that I can apply to my research." 
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