The 40th International Self-Directed Learning Symposium
Forty years of learners shaping their own learning.
February 3–5, 2027 · Cocoa Beach, Florida
Join researchers, educators and practitioners from around the world for three days of presentations, conversation and community.
Step 2: Book your hotel
Call for Proposals · 2027 Symposium
Share your work with the SDL community
The ISDLS Planning Committee invites presentation proposals that speak to the scholarship, practice, and lived experience of self-directed learning across diverse contexts. Contributions may be theoretically grounded, empirically informed, practice-based, or dialogic.
Submission deadline
November 1, 2026
Graduate student submissions are especially encouraged.
Research Presentations
Posters
Practice Briefs
Roundtables
About ISSDL
Who We Are
The International Society for Self-Directed Learning (ISSDL) is dedicated to the promotion of self-directed lifelong learning, encouragement and dissemination of continued research on self-directed learning both within and outside of institutional contexts.
Learn more about ISSDL
The Symposium
Held annually since it was founded by Dr. Huey Long in 1986, the Symposium provides an international forum for the presentation and discussion of current developments in the study and application of self-directed learning.
IJSDL Journal
Published biannually, the IJSDL is a refereed, electronic journal founded to disseminate scholarly papers that document research, theory, or innovative or exemplary practice in self-directed learning.
Plan your stay
Symposium Hotels and Travel
Both hotels offer the symposium group rate of $220 per night. Book by January 9, 2027.
Airport Shuttles
From Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Cocoa Beach Express · 321-783-8655 · cocoabeachexpress.com
Cocoa Beach Shuttle · 321-631-4144 · cbshuttle.com
Happy Hour Shuttle · 888-601-6640 · happyhourshuttle.com
From Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)
BTM Coach · 321-783-9000 · btmcoach.com
Our Partners
North-West University
Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning
Get in Touch
Questions about the Symposium, the Journal, or membership? Send us a note.
Become an ISSDL Sponsor
Join us to connect with self-directed learners worldwide.