Self-directed learning (SDL) is widely associated with adult learning but is occasionally misunderstood. As a result, the term self-regulated learning (SRL) has been used interchangeably with SDL in literature. Based on a content analysis, this paper explores the difference between techniques of SDL and SRL and provides a basic interpretation of the results found in foundational literature in both areas. This paper outlines the definitions used for understanding the theories, a discussion of the connections between SDL and SRL, and implications for practice and future research. [For the complete volume, "American Association for Adult and Continuing Education Inaugural 2020 Conference Proceedings (Online, October 27-30, 2020)," see ED611534.]