The Future of Assessment: Exploring Possibilities Using the Futures Triangle

The field of assessment is constantly evolving, and it can be challenging to stay up to date with the latest developments while anticipating future trends. In this workshop, we will use the “Futures Triangle” activity to explore the future of assessment and engage in collaborative, imaginative thinking about what is possible. This interactive session will provide a space for participants to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and envision new directions for the field.

First, we will introduce the Futures Triangle, a tool for exploring what lies ahead, developed by futurist Sohail Inayatullah. The Futures Triangle consists of three elements: the “Push of the Present,” the "Pull of the Future," and the "Weight of the Past." We will discuss how this tool can be used to identify potential outlooks and opportunities for assessment and encourage creative thinking about what could be.

Next, we will break into small groups and use the Futures Triangle to explore possibilities for the assessment industry. Each group will explore how different factors from the past, present, and future can or might impact and influence the future of assessment. Groups will then share their findings with the larger assembly, engaging in discussion and debate about the implications of these futures.

Finally, we will use the insights gained from the Futures Triangle activity to brainstorm practical strategies for preparing for the future of assessment. We will identify the skills and knowledge that will be most important for assessment professionals in the future and explore ways to develop these skills. We will also discuss potential challenges and barriers to implementing new assessment strategies and identify solutions to overcome these challenges.