Students' future thinking skills: Implications for school education programs
Suhendar Suhendar 1, Ari Widodo 1 * , Rini Solihat 1, Riandi Riandi 1
More Detail
1 Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia
* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Future-thinking skills are crucial competencies to prepare students to face global challenges through sustainable education. However, until now there is no comprehensive profile of this skill in the context of secondary school students. This research aims to map students' future thinking skills, starting from the development and validation of multidimensional-based instruments. The five main dimensions that are the focus of the analysis include visioning and emotion, predicting, planning, anticipating, and evaluating. The instrument was developed through the stages of readability test, small-scale trial, and wide-scale validation. Rasch analysis is used to evaluate the quality of items in an instrument, while Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling is applied to analyze causal relationships between dimensions. The results of the study revealed significant differences in the profile of future thinking skills based on demographic groups, such as education level and gender. In addition, the visioning and emotion dimensions were found to be key dimensions that significantly influenced other dimensions, demonstrating the importance of emotional aspects and vision in building future thinking skills. This research not only provides a map of students' future thinking skills, but also offers a robust evaluation framework based on valid and reliable instruments. The findings provide valuable insights for designing and implementing school education programs that enhance students' future-thinking competencies.  

Keywords

References

  • Afikah, A., Astuti, S. R. D., Suyanta, S., Jumadi, J., & Rohaeti, E. (2022). Mobile learning in science education to improve higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and communication skills: A systematic review. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 13(7), 82. https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2022.0130782
  • Aflatoony, L., Wakkary, R., & Neustaedter, C. (2018). Becoming a design thinker: Assessing the learning process of students in a secondary level design thinking course. International Journal of Art & Design Education, 37(3), 438-453. https://doi.org/10.1111/jade.12139
  • Alharbi, B. (2022). Saudi teachers' knowledge of critical thinking skills and their attitudes towards improving Saudi students' critical thinking skills. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 80(3), 395-407. https://doi.org/10.33225/pec/22.80.395
  • Alqahtani, M. M. Z., & Elsayed, S. A. M. (2023). Degree of intermediate school teachers' possession of future thinking skills in light of (PISA) test dimensions in mathematics and Arabic language. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(3), 83-95. https://doi.org/10.32601/ejal.903008
  • Amin, H. M. G., Hassan, R. S., Ghoneim, H., & Abdallah, A. S. (2024). A bibliometric analysis of accounting education literature in the digital era: Current status, implications and agenda for future research. Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRA-12-2023-0802
  • Bangun, A. V., & Pragholapati, A. (2021). Enhancing critical thinking skills in nursing higher education in preparation for the Industrial Revolution 4.0. KnE Life Sciences, 6(1), 8756. https://doi.org/10.18502/kls.v6i1.8756
  • Barelli, E., Tasquier, G., Caramaschi, M., Satanassi, S., Fantini, P., Branchetti, L., & Levrini, O. (2022). Making sense of youth futures narratives: Recognition of emerging tensions in students' imagination of the future. Frontiers in Education, 7, 911052. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.911052
  • Bell, A. V., & Hernandez, D. (2017). Cooperative learning groups and the evolution of human adaptability: (Another reason) why hermits are rare in Tonga and elsewhere. Human Nature, 28(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-016-9276-5
  • Boone, W., Staver, J., & Yale, M. (2014). Rasch analysis in the human sciences. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6857-4
  • Branchetti, L., Cutler, M., Laherto, A., Levrini, O., Palmgren, E. K., Tasquier, G., & Wilson, C. (2018). The I SEE project: An approach to futurize STEM education. Italian Journal of Educational Research, 9, 10-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.13135/2384-8677/2770
  • Cole, S., & Kvavilashvili, L. (2021). Spontaneous and deliberate future thinking: A dual process account. Psychological Research, 85(2), 464-479. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-019-01262-7
  • Corballis, M. C. (2009). Language as gesture. Human Movement Science, 28(5), 556-565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2009.07.003
  • de Haan, G. (2006). The BLK '21' programme in Germany: A 'Gestaltungskompetenz'-based model for education for sustainable development. Environmental Education Research, 12(1), 19-32. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620500526362
  • DeHaan, R. L. (2009). Environmental adaptation of concrete. Environmental Impact of Concrete and Asphalt Pavements, 8(1752), 172-181. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.08-12-0081
  • Drake, S. M., & Reid, J. L. (2020). 21st-century competencies in light of the history of integrated curriculum. Frontiers in Education, 5(July), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2020.00122
  • Durance, P. (2010). Reciprocal influences in future thinking between Europe and the USA. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 77(9), 1469-1475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2010.06.006
  • Elazzab, E. S. A. (2022). Using a virtual simulation program via flipped classroom to develop genetic problem-solving and future thinking skills among secondary stage students. Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies, 7(1), 30-45. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.tecs.20220701.16
  • France, I., & Krieviņa, L. (2022). Students' acquisition of inferential thinking in mathematics and its transfer to other subject areas. In S. Ušča, L. Danilāne, K. Laganovska, & D. Znotiņa (Eds.), Society, Integration, Education. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference (pp. 370-381). Society, Integration, Education. https://doi.org/10.17770/sie2022vol1.6839
  • Franco, I., Saito, O., Vaughter, P., Whereat, J., Kanie, N., & Takemoto, K. (2019). Higher education for sustainable development: Actioning the global goals in policy, curriculum, and practice. Sustainability Science, 14(6), 1621-1642. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-018-0628-4
  • Gardiner, S., & Rieckmann, M. (2015). Pedagogies of preparedness: Use of reflective journals in the operationalization and development of anticipatory competence. Sustainability, 7(8), 10554-10575. https://doi.org/10.3390/su70810554
  • González-Pérez, L. I., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2022). Components of education 4.0 in 21st-century skills frameworks: Systematic review. Sustainability, 14(3), 1493. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031493
  • Gott, C., & Lah, S. (2014). Episodic future thinking in children compared to adolescents. Child Neuropsychology, 20(5), 625-640. https://doi.org/10.1080/09297049.2013.840362
  • Hairida, H., Benő, C., Soeharto, S., Charalambos, C., Rasmawan, R., Martono, M., Arifiyanti, F., Winarti, A., & Enawaty, E. (2023). Evaluating digital literacy of pre-service chemistry teachers: Multidimensional Rasch analysis. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 32(5), 643-654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-023-10070-z
  • Hervé, N., & Panissal, N. (2022). Writing fictional short stories about the Anthropocene: Effects on students' futures thinking. Frontiers in Education, 7, 842252. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.842252
  • Julien, M. P., Chalmeau, R., Vergnolle Mainar, C., & Léna, J. Y. (2018). An innovative framework for encouraging future thinking in ESD: A case study in a French school. Futures, 101, 26-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2018.04.012
  • Laherto, A., & Rasa, T. (2022). Facilitating transformative science education through futures thinking. On the Horizon: The International Journal of Learning Futures, 30(2), 96-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-09-2021-0114
  • Levrini, O., Tasquier, G., Barelli, E., Laherto, A., Palmgren, E., Branchetti, L., & Wilson, C. (2021). Recognition and operationalization of future-scaffolding skills: Results from an empirical study of a teaching-learning module on climate change and futures thinking. Science Education, 105(2), 281-308. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21612
  • Lloyd, A., & Haraldsdottir, E. (2021). Virtual reality in hospice: Improved patient well-being. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 11(3), 344-350. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003173
  • Loose, T., & Vásquez-Echeverría, A. (2022). Understanding future thinking among school-age children: A review of studies. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 19(4), 566-584. https://doi.org/10.1080/17405629.2021.1932457
  • Manggopa, H., & Batmetan, J. R. (2024). Evaluation of students' achievement in the development of innovative learning tools for PPG computer engineering and informatics students using the Rasch Model. International Journal of Information Technology and Education, 3(2), 54-65. https://doi.org/10.62711/ijite.v3i2.177
  • Nagai, Y. (2019). Predictive learning: Its key role in early cognitive development. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 374(1771), 20180030. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2018.0030
  • Nguyen, T. P. L., Nguyen, T. H., & Tran, T. K. (2020). STEM education in secondary schools: Teachers' perspective towards sustainable development. Sustainability, 12(21), 8865. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12218865
  • Ojala, M. (2015). Hope in the face of climate change: Associations with environmental engagement and student perceptions of teachers' emotion communication style and future orientation. The Journal of Environmental Education, 46(3), 133-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2015.1021662
  • Paige, K., & Lloyd, D. (2016). Use of future scenarios as a pedagogical approach for science teacher education. Research in Science Education, 46(2), 263-285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-015-9505-7
  • Richardson, C., Oster, N., Henriksen, D., & Mishra, P. (2024). Artificial intelligence, responsible innovation, and the future of humanity with Andrew Maynard. TechTrends, 68(1), 5-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-023-00921-2
  • Rickards, L., Howden, M., & Crimp, S. (2014). Channelling the future? The use of seasonal climate forecasts in climate adaptation. In J. Fuhrer & P. Gregory (Eds.), Climate change impact and adaptation in agricultural systems (pp. 233-252). CABI. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781780642895.0233
  • Schacter, D. L., & Addis, D. R. (2007). The cognitive neuroscience of constructive memory: Remembering the past and imagining the future. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 362(1481), 773-786. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2007.2087
  • Suddendorf, T., & Corballis, M. C. (2007). The evolution of foresight: What is mental time travel, and is it unique to humans? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 30(3), 299-313. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X07001975
  • Szpunar, K. K., Spreng, R. N., & Schacter, D. L. (2014). A taxonomy of prospection: Introducing an organizational framework for future-oriented cognition. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 111(52), 18414-18421. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1417144111
  • Şimal, N., & Gursoy, E. (2020). Thoughts of university students on having children in the future and affecting factors. Journal of Nursing Effect, 13(3), 148-159. https://doi.org/10.46483/deuhfed.675721
  • Thorstad, R., & Wolff, P. (2018). A big data analysis of the relationship between future thinking and decision-making. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 115(8), E1740-E1748. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1706589115
  • UNESCO. (2017). Education for sustainable development goals: Learning objectives. Author. https://doi.org/10.54675/CGBA9153
  • Van den Beemt, A., MacLeod, M., Van der Veen, J., Van de Ven, A., Van Baalen, S., Klaassen, R., & Boon, M. (2020). Interdisciplinary engineering education: A review of vision, teaching, and support. Journal of Engineering Education, 109(3), 508-555. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20347
  • Vidergor, H. E. (2023). Teaching futures thinking literacy and futures studies in schools. Futures, 146, 103083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2022.103083
  • Ward, A. M. (2016). A critical evaluation of the validity of episodic future thinking: A clinical neuropsychology perspective. Neuropsychology, 30(8), 887-905. https://doi.org/10.1037/neu0000274

License

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.