39th International Self-Directed Learning Symposium - 2026

The International Self-Directed Learning Symposium will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott, Cocoa Beach, Florida . Hotel link to be provided here when available.

February 17-21, 2026

(Registration Check-in on Feb. 17, 2026- Open Research Collaboration Time on Feb. 21, 2026)

Go to http://www.sdlglobal.com for additional details regarding paper proposal submissions, hotel reservations, general program/schedule, etc.

About the Symposium:

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, poster sessions, as well as small group interaction opportunities. As noted above, there are both in-person and virtual presentation/participation opportunities.

Theoreticians and practitioners are invited to submit a one-to-two page proposal for paper and poster presentations concerning self-directed learning in childhood education, higher education, adult education, and training and human resource development. International participants have included representatives from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Portugal, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

Trainers and resource development specialists have represented the following organizations: U.S. Department of Defense, State of Georgia, South Florida Water Management District, Digital Equipment, Ernst & Young, Fleming, IBM, Motorola, Revco, Niagara Mohawk Power, and others. A wide range of U.S. colleges, universities, and 12 school systems have been represented in the symposium from across the U.S. and from many other countries.

Participants have opportunities to learn a variety of procedures and information 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. Go to http://www.sdlglobal.com for details.

Payment Information:

Credit card accepted for payment as part of the registration process. All credit card payments should be processed via Eventbrite.

To pay by check or cash at the door (no credit card accepted onsite for previous registration) , click on the "Show other payment options" under the PayPal button and a "Pay Offline" button will appear.  Click the "Pay Offline" button to go to the page where you can choose your options.

Note: If you plan to pay via credit card, please do process at the time of registration as there is no way to associate your credit card with the previous registration [will need to cancel and re-register].

Host or Publisher International Society for Self-Directed Learning