40th International Self-Directed Learning Symposium - 2027
February 3-5, 2027
About this Event
This yearly event gathers scholars, industry practitioners, and graduate students from around the world to share research, exchange ideas, and explore innovations in the study and practice of self-directed learning. Proposals are due by Saturday, November 15, 2025.
The symposium has a long-standing tradition of serving as a hub for new ideas, fostering collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. In 2026, we look forward to building on that tradition by showcasing both research and practical applications that deepen our understanding of how learners create meaning and take ownership of their growth and development.
We especially encourage faculty from diverse fields (e.g., K-12 and higher education, health and wellness, instructional design and technology, management and human resources, etc.) to attend and welcome graduate students to present their work related to self-directed learning, whether it’s empirical studies, theoretical explorations, or innovative projects. We believe you will find a supportive environment to learn together and share your work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or just starting your scholarly journey, we welcome your attendance.
Logistics:
Please book accomodations through the links on this page or use the code to reserve in the hotel block. (Links to hotels and other information can be found here)
Symposium sessions February 3-5, 2027. (Registration Check-in on Feb. 2, 2027- Open Research Collaboration Time in afternoon of Feb. 5th and on Feb. 6, 2026)
Go to https://www.sdlglobal.com/submission-info for additional details regarding proposal submissions, hotel reservations, general program/schedule, etc.
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].
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.
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 Africa, 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.
The symposium has a long-standing tradition of serving as a hub for new ideas, fostering collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. In 2026, we look forward to building on that tradition by showcasing both research and practical applications that deepen our understanding of how learners create meaning and take ownership of their growth and development.
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.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 500.00
