International Society for Self-Directed Learning
Connecting Self-Directed Learners Around the World
Remembering Dr. Huey Long
38th International Self-Directed Learning Symposium
March 12-14, 2025
University of South Florida, Tampa Campus, College of Education
Join us at the International Journal of Self-Directed Learning Annual Symposium!
Self-Directed Learning
Malcolm Knowles
Knowles definition is the basis of self-directed learning. In an effort to further promote SDL, at the 33rd ISSDL, February 2020, the Board of Directors adopted the following definition of SDL:
Self-directed learning is an intentional learning process that is created and evaluated by the learner.
Our Vision
Get to Know Us
The International Society for Self-Directed Learning (ISSDL) is dedicated to the promotion of self-directed lifelong learning and to the encouragement and dissemination of continued research on self-directed learning both within and outside of institutional contexts: in childhood education, higher education, adult education, training and human resource development, as well as formal and informal contexts.
The Society is managed by a Board of Directors. A list of the board members can be see by clicking button below.
International Society for Self-Directed Learning
The International Society for Self-Directed Learning (ISSDL) is dedicated to advancing the field of self-directed learning (SDL). Founded by Huey Long in 1993, ISSDL holds an annual symposium in Cocoa Beach Florida, as well as publishes a professional journal about SDL.
The journal features new research from universities and educational institutions, and is distributed worldwide. ISSDL also seeks to promote SDL through the work of leading experts in the field, such as Malcolm Knowles. Through the journal and symposium, ISSDL continues to bring together researchers and practitioners from around the world to share and advance the knowledge of self-directed learning.
The International Society for Self-Directed Learning (ISSDL) is an organization dedicated to the understanding, promotion, and advancement of self-directed learning. We strive to provide an international forum for the exchange of ideas, research, and practice among professionals, researchers, and practitioners in the field.
Through our professional journal, we provide an outlet for current research and best practices within the field of self-directed learning. We are committed to the highest standards of research and editorial excellence, and invite you to explore our publications and join the community.
ISSDL
There are two main avenues we use to disseminate information about self-directed learning.
The International Journal of Self-Directed Learning.
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.
The International Self-Directed Learning 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.
Get published
For information on paper submission for the Symposium or article submission for the journal, visit our Journal page