Overview

In the ever changing times that characterise the 21st century, educators from diverse backgrounds are increasingly brought together by a shared commitment to responding in productive and creative ways to this turbulent environment. At the centre of many debates is a commitment to identifying those pedagogical practices which have the most to offer increasingly diverse groups of educators and students. These practices must relate not only to the world within which students are currently positioned, but also to the future environments within which they may find themselves.

In this context, emphasis is increasingly placed upon the need for educators to develop futures oriented pedagogies: approaches to teaching and learning that are grounded in the present but cognisant of and responsive to diverse possible futures. It is this commitment to the development and understanding of futures-oriented pedagogies which ties the papers in this book together.

Covering a range of themes, using different resources, and relating to multiple educational sectors, the papers explore important issues concerning the ways in which futures oriented pedagogy can be conceptualised and actualised. As such they are a valuable resource to educators in all areas and raise important questions for those seeking to respond in effective and meaningful day-to-day ways to the challenges of the 21st century.