Inspiration session: Did you see it or did you just look? About signs of underperformance in tests

Tests play a major role in our society: from nursery school to education, from career to daily life. They are supposed to help us gain insight into a person's competencies — but in practice, this does not always work. Talented pupils or clients sometimes perform in ways that do not match what you expect of them. How is it possible that tests fail to reveal certain qualities? And more importantly, what can we as professionals see that a test fails to reveal?

In this inspirational session on Thursday, 12 March 2026, during the High Ability Week, we delve deeper into signs of underperformance during assessment moments. You will learn how to look beyond scores, which behavioural indicators can point to hidden talent or untapped capacity, and how to better interpret test results in the context of the person in front of you. Expect both scientifically based insights and practical tools for your work in education or healthcare.

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What will you learn?

You will gain insights, examples and tools to:

  • Recognise signs of underperformance early on during tests
  • Understand why certain talents are not automatically visible in performance
  • Interpret test results in combination with observations and professional intuition
  • Look beyond scores and work with a broader talent lens

Who is it for?

For professionals in education, youth support and talent development, such as:

  • Teachers and internal counsellors
  • Remedial educationalists and psychologists
  • Care coordinators
  • Counsellors and coaches who work with gifted children and young people
  • Professionals who want to better understand what test results do and do not reveal

Practical information

Date: Thursday, 12 March 2026
Time: 12:00–12:45 p.m.
Speaker: dr. Sven Mathijssen
Format: Online Zoom webinar, live from Radboud University's livestream studio
Language: Dutch
Cost: Free participation

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Dr. Sven Mathijssen
Dr. Sven Mathijssen

About the speaker

Dr. Sven Mathijssen

Sven Mathijssen is deputy head trainer of the ECHA-accredited Radboud International Training on High Ability (RITHA). He is also a board member of the European Council for High Ability (ECHA).

Sven studied Psychology (Children & Youth) at Tilburg University and then worked as a developmental psychologist at CBO Talent Development. His doctoral research focused on drawings of people made by children with characteristics of giftedness. His current research involves developing a screening tool for young children (aged 4–6) to identify talent and educational needs earlier and more accurately.

See also