If we want to make children more creative and better critical thinkers, we need first to make them cleverer.

Intelligence is not fixed.While some aspects of intelligence, like fluid intelligence, may be less malleable, crystallized intelligence – our accumulated knowledge and skills – can be significantly improved through education. This improvement is not just about test scores; it translates into real-world benefits.

Education makes a difference.Research has shown that each additional year of schooling can increase IQ scores by several points. This effect is particularly pronounced for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, suggesting that education can be a powerful equalizer. The Flynn effect – the observed rise in IQ scores over time – further supports the idea that intelligence can be improved through environmental factors, including better education.

Key points: