Trend: Teach the Future

A trend indicates a direction of change in values and needs which is driven by forces and manifests itself already in various ways within certain groups in society.

The 21st century is increasingly complex and uncertain. As the social, technological and political context changes, it is increasingly important for today’s young people to be able to better understand possible futures. Among other skills that they will need, they will need navigation skills to keep up with the pace of change in the new world.
 
Not only do the younger generation need different skills to navigate a changing world now, they will also need to be better prepared, and more able to understand the future. In this way they will be able to make better, sustainable choices. Do all of these considerations not imply that a transformation of our educational system is needed?

This Trend is part of the Megatrend Diversification of education and learning

Manifestations

Developments happening in certain groups in society that indicate examples of change related to the trend.

Changing societal needs

The world is changing around us and we are beginning to understand that we need different skills and capabilities to survive the new world. It is under discussion (in schools, governments etc.) that curricula should evolve, perhaps in radical ways. A broad set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values are required to safely navigate through a complex and uncertain world.

Signals of change: OECD, UNESCO, Disruptor, EdSurge

Futures Literacy

The focus of education to date has been on the past and the present, while our students will be living in the future, and it will look substantially different then life today. We therefore need to teach students about the future, how to navigate and create it. How to be resilient in a changing world. With a more in-depth understanding of the future, it is easier to make better decisions in the present. This point has been stressed by UNESCO, and the point is not only for students!

Signals of change: Researchgate, Teach the Future, Journal of Futures Studies, University of Turku

Sustainable Development Challenges

Innovators in education are integrating the sustainable development goals in their classes. It empowers students to make informed decisions in favor of environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society, for present and future generations. They aim to provide the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to address the sustainable development challenges - where also long-term thinking is required.

Signals of change: Ubiquity University, UNESCO

Training the teacher

If we want our teachers to train our students differently, we should make sure they are educated differently themselves. A revamp of teacher training programs is popping-up and new training programs are slowly appearing. 3rd party education providers are emerging too: these include an interesting mix of actors from not-for-profit associations to philanthropy, corporate responsibility programmes and small entrepreneurs.

Signals of change: Teach live, Windesheim, DigiCompEdu

Interesting questions

What might this trend imply, what should we be aware of, what could we study in more depth? Some ideas:

• Can futures literacy in education help us take responsibility for a more sustainable world?

• Who will step up, take leadership, to help the transformation of the education system?