A look into the future in the field of Education

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

10. 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

11. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15.  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

16. 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