Uses of Future Studies Techniques by Educational Administrators.

In outlining futures techniques that can be used by school administrators for creative planning, this paper discusses several small group exercises. These include the "Six by Six" technique, in which a large group breaks up into six small groups for six minute discussions; the "PNT Approach," in which the length of each discussion period increases as positions become solidified; and scenario development, in which possible future situations are developed and analyzed. When discussing scenario development, the author describes in detail the Cross Impact Matrix Analysis on Transparencies (CIMAT) technique. The author then presents the use of case studies for problem solving, a technique he considers useful because the problems presented seem real and relevant and may require complex problem-solving approaches. He also describes role playing, in which participants act through a problem situation; the Delphi technique, in which questionnaires are used to order priorities or to get a consensus of opinion about when future events will occur; and futures games, for which he recommends that group leaders use those on the market rather than develop their own. Two techniques developed by the author, "Brainstorming-on-Microfiche," and "Brainstorming-in-Football Stadiums," are briefly mentioned. (Author/JM)