Considering the Future: An Introduction to Futures Thinking | A Brief History of the Future

Futures thinking is the ability to anticipate multiple futures and use these insights to better inform the actions we make in the present. This systems thinking practice is based on a suite of fundamental concepts that state the future is not yet determined, which means thoughtful choices made today can build a better tomorrow.

Clips from the program A Brief History of the Future introduce students to futurists, the people who use futures thinking in their work to drive positive change for humanity and the planet. Through case studies, these thinkers demonstrate the fundamental concepts that govern futures thinking, and a suite of engagement activities helps scaffold student exploration and understanding of these concepts and gives them space to put them into practice.

This resource also aims to help students think optimistically about their future and the positive influence their choices can have on it.

About the Authors

Dr. Peter Bishop is the Founder and former Executive Director of Teach the Future, an organization whose mission is to encourage and support educators who want to include futures thinking in their classes and schools at all levels around the world.  In 2013, Dr. Bishop retired as a Professor Emeritus of Strategic Foresight and Director of the graduate program in Foresight at the University of Houston. He has published two books on Strategic Foresight: Thinking about the Future: Guidelines for Strategic Foresight (2007) and Teaching about the Future: The Basics of Foresight Education (2012), both with co-author Andy Hines.  Dr. Bishop is a founding Board member and former Chair of the Membership Committee for the Association of Professional Futurists.

Juli Rush is an educator and administrator in Houston, Texas. She is also a certified death doula and foresight strategist, with a focus on partnering futures with death and grief processing. She serves as the Foresight Activation Lab Director for the University of Houston’s Foresight Program where she is also an adjunct professor. She received her dual BA in Sociology and Theology from Houston Christian University, her MS in Foresight at the University of Houston, Graduate Certificate in Thanatology from Hood College, and Death Doula training through INELDA.