Imagine a world where every high school graduate is a self-directed, independent learner. The Institute for Self Directed Learning—founded in 2020 by EDLD Alum Dr. Tyler Thigpen and his team—recently published a landscape analysis of the field of self-directed learning. This talk will share a high-level summary of key concepts and findings further outlined in our landscape analysis, including:

• Definitions of self-directed learning

• The why of self-directed learning

• Key theories that support self-directed learning

• Shifts schools can make toward self-directed learning

• Key levers of self-directed learning design

• Exemplary self-directed learning schools and research hubs

• The mission and work of The Institute for Self-Directed Learning