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Originally appears in the Spring 2022 issue.

Editor’s Notes:

Issue 27

Where’s the future in teaching? by David Ferns

In March of 1992, David Ferns makes a strong case for including a “future dimension” in teaching, going so far as to say that “to avoid this challenge would be morally reprehensible.” Drawing on the ideas of David Hicks, Ferns presents three suggestions for making this happen, one of which involves reflection and guided visualizations. Ferns’ question “How will we ever get there if we don’t have some notion of where there is?” is a sentiment being espoused today by many folks in environmental education and beyond. Indeed, it’s difficult to strive for a goal if we don’t know what it looks like, feels like, sounds like, etc. All of this serves as a helpful reminder that as we discuss benchmarks like Net-zero by 2050, we must be specific and detailed. Most people understand the technical definition of Net-zero, but how many of us have mapped out the intricacies of a Net-zero world? What do we need to do as individuals to get there? How must business and government leaders react? What are some benchmark targets that can serve as stepping stones to the ultimate goal? Engaging in these questions with your learners holds tremendous potential for educators.