Futures

Empowering Futures Literacy Through a Collaborative Learning Journey in Futures Lab, (from page 20260111.)

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Themes

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Summary

Futures Lab is a seven-workshop program focused on futures literacy, strategic foresight, and collective exploration, addressing real-world challenges such as sustainable food systems and future lifestyles. Students learn methods like horizon scanning and scenario building, transforming their initial uncertainty into confidence and agency regarding their influence on the future. Evaluations show an increase in hope and imaginative competencies, with participants feeling equipped to challenge dominant narratives and relate futures thinking to their fields of study. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, aiming to promote long-term futures literacy and societal change. The Futures Lab Playbook serves as a guide for others to implement similar initiatives, contributing to the expansion of futures literacy across communities.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Emergence of Futures Literacy Students increasingly believe they can influence the future through their choices. A shift from uncertainty about influencing the future to confidence in agency over outcomes. In 10 years, futures literacy might be a standard part of education, influencing decision-making across sectors. The growing importance of adaptive thinking in complex societal challenges motivates this change. 5
Increased Hopefulness Among Students The majority of students report greater hope for the future after the program. A transition from feeling hopeless to feeling hopeful and capable of enacting change. In a decade, hopefulness may drive social movements and community initiatives focused on future outcomes. A desire for agency and positive change in uncertain times fuels this increase in hope. 4
Critical Confidence in Challenging Narratives Students become more comfortable questioning inherited dominant narratives. A movement from discomfort with critical questioning toward an embraced critical mindset. In 10 years, critical thinking and questioning of narratives may be expected skills in professional and academic fields. The necessity to navigate and contest established narratives promotes critical confidence. 5
Integration of Futures Thinking to Various Fields Students apply futures thinking to diverse academic and professional disciplines. Shifting from isolated knowledge to a broader application of futures literacy across various areas of work. In ten years, futures thinking could become integral to diverse fields, influencing innovation and policy-making. The increasing complexity of global challenges requires interdisciplinary approaches and foresight techniques. 4
Collaboration in Learning Spaces Futures Lab emphasizes shared learning experiences among diverse cohorts. A change from individualistic learning to a collective, collaborative approach in education. In 10 years, collaborative learning models may dominate educational methodologies, fostering community engagement. The need for diverse perspectives in addressing societal challenges encourages collaborative learning environments. 4

Concerns

name description
Limited Futures Literacy Progress Despite the success of Futures Lab, not all students initially develop confidence in shaping the future, indicating ongoing educational gaps in futures literacy.
Unequal Access to Foresight Training The program may not be accessible to all demographics, risking a divide in futures literacy knowledge and skills across different social groups.
Cultural Resistance to Change Participants may face societal pushback when challenging dominant narratives, which could hinder the broader adoption of futures thinking.
Sustainability of Futures Literacy The long-term retention and application of futures literacy skills developed may diminish without ongoing support and reinforcement post-program.
Overconfidence in Agency Increased confidence in shaping the future could lead to overestimation of individual impact, neglecting systemic barriers that persist.

Behaviors

name description
Development of Futures Literacy Participants grow in their understanding of futures, believing they can shape their own through informed choices and actions.
Increased Sense of Agency Students transition from uncertainty to confidence regarding their ability to influence future outcomes through their actions.
Cultivation of Hope A significant rise in hope among students about the future, despite increased uncertainty in the world around them.
Strengthened Imaginative Competencies The ability to envision multiple possible futures is enhanced, with participants valuing collaboration in exploring these scenarios.
Critical Confidence Participants grow more comfortable questioning established narratives and assumptions about the future and their implications.
Relevance in Diverse Fields Students connect futures thinking to their diverse fields of study, integrating foresight into their academic and professional lives.
Collaboration in Learning The lab emphasizes a shared space for collaborative learning, establishing a networked approach to futures literacy.
Expansion of Futures Literacy Practices Efforts to disseminate methods and practices for futures literacy to educators and communities to cultivate wide-reaching impact.

Technologies

name description
Futures Literacy A developing competency that enables individuals to understand and engage with multiple possible futures.
Strategic Foresight A method that helps organizations anticipate future challenges and opportunities to shape outcomes proactively.
Scenario Building A technique used to visualize and analyze different future pathways based on varying assumptions and uncertainties.
Horizon Scanning A practice for identifying emerging trends, threats, and opportunities that could impact the future.
Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) A framework for analyzing issues by considering multiple layers, including litany, system, worldview, and myth/metaphor.

Issues

name description
Futures Literacy The growing recognition and practice of understanding and shaping futures through education and collective exploration.
Imaginative Competencies Increased importance of fostering creativity and imagination to navigate uncertainty and envision multiple future scenarios.
Agency in Future Shaping Empowerment of individuals, especially youth, to believe and act on their ability to influence future outcomes.
Challenging Dominant Narratives The shift towards questioning inherited narratives and assumptions about the future as a key skill for societal change.
Interdisciplinary Futures Thinking The application of futures thinking methods across diverse fields like art, engineering, and public policy, highlighting its broad relevance.
Cultural Change through Education The potential for educational programs to drive cultural and societal change by cultivating futures literacy.
Collective Exploration Methods The rise of collaborative methods such as horizon scanning and scenario building as tools for addressing complex societal challenges.