Davydova V. Non-formal education in study circles in Sweden

The research deals with a system of non-formal adult education so called folkbildning as an important component of national educational system of Sweden. In the process of research the concept and phenomenon of folkbildning have been analyzed, the main periods of establishing and developing of folkbildning have been revealed, modern trends and main principles of non-formal adult education have been pointed, the content, forms, methods and motives of adult learning in study circles have been considered, as well as the forms and methods of training of future leaders of study circles according to competence approach to learning in study circles have been analyzed. The new labour-market, the growth of the information society, and a structural crisis along with high unemployment, are challenges which require a major approach to education: the continued development can not be achieved without the participation of the citizens themselves. In the future, the individual citizen must be prepared to devote himself to learning and education throughout his entire life That іs why a popularly-based system of training and education is needed.