Study Circle

A democratic, non-formal adult education method originating in Nordic countries where a small group of people meet regularly to discuss and learn about a specific topic. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, study circles have no teacher—instead, a facilitator guides discussion while participants shape the content based on their experiences and interests. Study circles emphasize voluntary participation, equal voice for all participants, and learning through social interaction. In accessibility research, study circles have been adapted as an inclusive method for involving people with mental and cognitive disabilities in participatory design, as the democratic structure and repeated meetings accommodate varying energy levels and processing needs.