Teaching Note—Navigating Tomorrow: Transforming Social Work Education Through Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight.
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| Title: | Teaching Note—Navigating Tomorrow: Transforming Social Work Education Through Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight. |
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| Authors: | Young, Jimmy A. (AUTHOR), Speck Glennon, Alexis (AUTHOR), Littman, Danielle Maude (AUTHOR), Prussia, Leah (AUTHOR), Tetloff, Meredith B. (AUTHOR), Allen, Mary Dallas (AUTHOR), Rios, Juan A. (AUTHOR), Goldkind, Lauri (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Social Work Education. Spring2026, Vol. 62 Issue 2, p208-215. 8p. |
| Subjects: | Policy sciences, Community health services, Social justice, Planning techniques, Diversity & inclusion policies, Professional practice, Social work education, Uncertainty, Problem solving, Families, Ethical decision making, Human rights, Anti-racism, Environmental justice, Outcome-based education, Evidence-based medicine, Forecasting, Thought & thinking, Professional competence, Racial inequality |
| Abstract: | This teaching note responds to the growing interest in using futures thinking and strategic foresight within social work education. By infusing these approaches into the nine social work competencies, educators can help students prepare for the uncertainties and challenges of the future. Futures thinking involves imagining and exploring diverse potential futures, while strategic foresight provides tools for decision making and long-term planning. This teaching note provides examples of how specific foresight tools—such as scenario planning, causal layered analysis, and the futures triangle—can enhance the teaching of social work competencies and build critical skills in areas like ethical decision making, antioppressive practice, and social justice. Equipping students with these skills can transform social work education to navigate better the futures of tomorrow and ensure that future practitioners are prepared to lead, adapt, and innovate in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | This teaching note responds to the growing interest in using futures thinking and strategic foresight within social work education. By infusing these approaches into the nine social work competencies, educators can help students prepare for the uncertainties and challenges of the future. Futures thinking involves imagining and exploring diverse potential futures, while strategic foresight provides tools for decision making and long-term planning. This teaching note provides examples of how specific foresight tools—such as scenario planning, causal layered analysis, and the futures triangle—can enhance the teaching of social work competencies and build critical skills in areas like ethical decision making, antioppressive practice, and social justice. Equipping students with these skills can transform social work education to navigate better the futures of tomorrow and ensure that future practitioners are prepared to lead, adapt, and innovate in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10437797 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10437797.2026.2636811 |
