The Power of Imagination: Why We Must Nurture It in Education

The other day, my four-year-old daughter and I had a conversation that made me reflect on the importance of imagination. She was playing with her Barbie car and excitedly told me that it was flying. A moment later, she paused and corrected herself: "It doesn’t really fly."

Without missing a beat, I told her, "But it could one day."

That simple exchange opened the door to a discussion about imagination and innovation. I explained to her that everything she sees around her—from cars to buildings to the very device I was holding—was once just an idea in someone’s mind. It didn’t exist until someone imagined it could and then worked to make it real.

The Role of Imagination in Progress

If we look back just 35 years, the world was a very different place. I remember a time before cell phones and laptops, a time when classrooms were filled with books, paper, and pencils. Fast forward to today, and I find myself teaching a class where every student sits behind a screen, typing in a document that can be shared in real time. We hold conversations with people across the world through video calls, something that would have seemed like science fiction when I was a child. All of these advancements were made possible because someone imagined a different way of doing things.

But here’s the key: those people weren’t confined by the limitations of what was possible at the time. They didn’t just accept the world as it was; they dared to believe in what it could be.

Why Schools Must Foster Imagination

This is why we must prioritize imagination in our education system. Too often, schools focus on memorization and standardized methods, reinforcing the idea that there is only one "correct" way to solve a problem. But history has shown us that the "right way" is just the way we know right now—until someone imagines a better way.

If we only teach children to follow instructions and replicate what has already been done, we rob them of the ability to create and innovate. Instead, we should encourage them to ask "What if?" and "Why not?" We should challenge them to dream, experiment, and push boundaries.

There is nothing more soul-sucking than teaching or learning through a test prep book. Maybe we don’t need to worry so much as educators about teaching our kids how to take tests. Instead, we can focus on developing them into creative problem solvers—and that skill will naturally cross over into their standardized test scores. When students learn to think critically, adapt, and approach problems from different angles, they become more confident in their ability to navigate even rigid testing environments.

A Curriculum That Encourages Creativity

How do we integrate imagination into our schools?

• Project-Based Learning: Encourage students to solve real-world problems with creative solutions.
• Open-Ended Questions: Instead of just asking for the correct answer, prompt students to explore multiple possibilities.
• Cross-Disciplinary Thinking: Show students how different subjects—science, art, technology—intersect and inspire each other.
• Encouraging Failure as a Learning Tool: Reinforce that mistakes are part of the creative process, not something to fear.

Tapping into Imagination as Adults

While we emphasize the importance of fostering imagination in children, we must also recognize that imagination is just as vital for adults. Too often, as we grow older, we become conditioned to think practically, dismissing imaginative ideas as unrealistic or impractical. However, knowing how to tap into our creativity can open doors to new possibilities, help us solve problems, and keep ideas flowing.

So how can we cultivate imagination as adults?

• Daydream with Purpose: Give yourself time to let your mind wander. Some of the best ideas come when we allow ourselves to think freely without immediate constraints.
• Engage in Creative Activities: Whether it’s painting, writing, or building something with your hands, engaging in creative hobbies strengthens imaginative thinking.
• Ask ‘What If?’ More Often: Challenge yourself to think beyond what exists. What if this process could be improved? What if there was a completely different way to approach this problem?
• Surround Yourself with Innovation: Read books, listen to podcasts, and engage with people who think differently. Exposure to diverse perspectives fuels creative thinking.
• Embrace Failure as Part of the Process: Many groundbreaking ideas were born from failed attempts. See mistakes as opportunities to rethink and refine your approach.

Imagination and Cognitive Growth

I know firsthand the impact imagination can have on cognitive abilities. In high school, I scored average on my SATs. Now, as an adult who has fully embraced my imagination and creativity as a fiction writer, I decided to take a Predictive Index (PI) test.

The PI is a widely used tool in the corporate world to assess behavioral drives and cognitive ability, helping employers understand how individuals approach problem-solving and decision-making. As part of the test, I also took a cognitive assessment—50 timed questions in 12 minutes, similar to the SAT, where only correct answers counted toward the score.

To my surprise, I scored in the 90th percentile—meaning I performed better than 90% of the global population of adults across all industries. I don’t share this to boost my ego but rather to highlight something crucial: my newfound ability to think flexibly, solve problems creatively, and embrace challenges without fear has drastically improved my cognitive performance.

This experience reinforces the idea that creativity and imagination are not just for artists—they are essential skills that enhance problem-solving, adaptability, and overall intelligence. By fostering our imagination, we don’t just dream—we innovate, achieve, and grow.

The Future Begins with Imagination

Every invention, every breakthrough, and every world-changing idea began with someone daring to imagine something new. If we want our children to be the innovators of tomorrow, we must encourage them to think beyond what is and dream about what could be. And as adults, we must continue to nurture our own imagination to keep the doors of possibility wide open.

So the next time a child tells you their toy car is flying, don’t correct them. Instead, ask, "What else do you think it could do?" Because that’s where the future begins.