The study circle concept, now almost a century old, is by far the most popular form of adult education in Sweden. Swedish study circles are sponsored by 10 national educational associations that receive substantial annual subsidies from the national government. Together with 140 folk high schools (residential adult programs), university short courses, correspondence study, and distance learning, study circles enable Swedish citizens to understand and participate more fully in their communities and nation. Although there have been few methodical studies of Swedish study circles, most reports (from Swedes and foreigners alike) have uncritically praised the study circle movement and encouraged its duplication abroad. The Swedish study circle model appears quite compatible with America's long-standing tradition of open discussion and debate of public policy issues; indeed, the Swedish study circle model has been successfully transplanted into American culture in several instances. Two notable examples are the National Issues Forums (sponsored by the Domestic Policy Association in Dayton, Ohio) and the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen's Study Circle Program (which began in 1986). These two programs prove that the study circle model can work in the United States. The issue of introducing study circles in the United States is not simply a matter of importing a useful and attractive form of adult education; rather, study circles must be integrated into an organizations overall educational program and must be supported by organizational leaders as effective ways of clarifying and furthering organizational goals and responding to adults' need to participate. (MN)