Despite the difficulties and uncertainties of the historical moment we are experiencing, the FUTURES project does not stop and all the partners keep working together. After the fruitful meeting in Groningen, the partners started working on the training modules that will compose the learning course of the project.

The partners agreed to call the course “Replay your futures – Labs for exploring undiscovered pathways”. The course will be composed of an introduction module (prepared by Middlesex University) and three single modules on the different domains addressed by the project:

• “Anticipation for the future” (prepared by Bialystok University and Łukasiewicz Institut); the training contents will be: STEEPVL analysis, Scenario analysis, Futures wheel, Road mapping, Six thinking hats, Force field analysis, Scamper method. This module will develop and adapt foresight methods, tools and relevant non-formal educational materials;
• “Anticipation for emergence” (prepared by Hanze University and Forth) to introduce participants with Anticipation for Emergence (AfE) as an alternative way of ‘using the future’: a rigorous imagination of the later-than-now in a plural and open way, integrating spontaneity and improvisation;
• “Performance for Futures” (prepared by Middlesex University) to acquaint participants with concepts and ideas from the world of theatre and performance, which can be applied to thinking about futures in ways that will help their personal and professional development. The module will allow to understand how theatre and performance can be useful in fostering skills in anticipation for the future and in anticipation for emergence, overall helping participants become more futures-literate.

During the last virtual project meeting, Bialystok University made a recap on the overall architecture of the course. The three modules should be conceived as self-standing, which means that they can be delivered consecutively or separated, respecting the principle discussed during the meeting in Groningen: “Meet the learners where they are”. It is important that each partner brings its expertise and that each of them will learn from the others. Instead of having a linear trajectory, the course will be conceived as a circle, giving the opportunity to “play” with the modules that can be followed both one after the other and separated.

The modules will be tested during the short-term joint staff-training event foreseen in Bialystok in spring 2022: the partners will have the opportunity to deliver their training sessions and to learn from this experience before replicating it within their institution.

At the moment, therefore, the partners are proceeding smoothly in the phases of the project, demonstrating great ability to adapt and understand situations that are not always easy to manage.