The scientific director of the Imagination Institute at the University of Pennsylvania reckons that intelligence tests should be replaced by imagination tests to predict and ‘coach’ the real talents of the future.

The scientific director of the Imagination Institute at the University of Pennsylvania reckons that intelligence tests should be replaced by imagination tests to predict and ‘coach’ the real talents of the future. 

“We need more room in our educational policies to surprise us," stated Dr. Scott Barry Kauffman. "We don’t give kids the chance to daydream, finding meaning in learning material, and to monitor their own emotional state. 

"Imagination is very underrated today, yet it fosters compassion and openness to experience. We want a combination of dreamers and doers, people who want to pursue personal growth and public recognition.”

He suggested measuring the ‘beyonder’ (personal) characteristics of students. They include:

• Love of work
• Purpose in life
• Persistence
• Risk taking
• Openness to change
• Deep thinking
• Feeling comfortable
• Tolerance of mistake