Future StudiesPreparing Learners for Success in the

21st Century

Future studies, also known as futurology or foresight, involves the study of the past and present to make educated guesses about the future. The data gathered from these studies can be used to predict possible or probable future events or situations. It can also be used to design a way to reach preferable future conditions.

Future Studies

Future Studies

Globalization and advancements in technology are driving changes in the social, technological, economic, environmental and political landscapes at a rate and magnitude too great, too multiple to ignore.

Learners equipped with skills and perspectives designed to help them anticipate change and plan accordingly will be better prepared to thrive in a world characterized by rapid continuous change. Futures Studies offers learners a unique set of tools and perspectives, which empowers them to anticipate and prepare for our change-ridden world.

Future Studies

How do you study the future?

Future Studies aims to identify probable and preferred futures, which are embedded in the universe of possible futures. Once these are identified, plans and activities can be formed to increase the probability of the preferred future.

Future Studies

The practice of studying the future is an ongoing process characterized by five essential elements. These elements are: Identifying and monitoring change: trends,

emerging issues, events, cycles Exploring implications for the future: what are

possible first, second, and third order implications likely to flow from an identified trend, issue, event, or cycle

Identifying and describing the universe of possible futures: alternative futures scenarios

Identifying and describing preferred futures: visions

Planning and Implementing: identifying allies, stakeholders, resources, clarifying goals, devising strategies, organizing and creating change

Future Studies

When learners apply this systemic foresight process to discern the universe of possible futures, they gain a sense of empowerment about the future and the role they play in creating better futures for themselves and for future generations.

Future Studies

Analyzing

future trends

Understanding our Past No one can predict the future with any high

degree of accuracy. Indeed, if we know anything about the future at all, it is that the future will be very different from life today. So trying to understand the future by studying the past requires caution. However, it is still important to appreciate how ideas about sustainability have developed and how many people around the world have been promoting environmental, social, economic and political sustainability.

Future Studies

With this understanding of the past it is possible to see how the key trends shaping human society will effect us over the next decade. Eight of these trends are:

Increasing cultural differences Globalisation Increasing gender equity Advances in biotechnology Religious revival Rising environmental concern Increasing poverty Technology

Future Studies

Key Trends

How do you study the future?

Education has focused on past and present: learning needs to expand to include the future. After all, the future is the only time frame we have the power to influence. Integrating a futures dimension into education will help learners deal more effectively with long-range issues and will provide a framework to sift through the wide range of moral, ethical, and social issues they will surely face.

Future Studies

The practice of studying the future: prepares learners for unexpected events develops an increased sense of

responsibility toward the future and future generations

helps learners connect present choices, actions, and decisions to long-term consequences or outcomes

builds upon past understanding and present skills

empowers learners to see they have the ability to shape their futures

Future Studies

offers learners the opportunity to develop attitudes and tools necessary for navigating their rapidly changing world

provides opportunity for generative research

emphasizes research questions that require problem solving and decision-making

helps learners see that many aspects of the future are knowable

encourages learners to view the world systemically

Future Studies

The future is almost certain to be dramatically different from the present. Providing learners with tools and perspectives to study

the future will enhance their ability to succeed in a rapidly changing

world.

Future Studies

Thanks for Listening!