AbstractThe paper considers the problem of successful intellectual self-realization of engineering students. The results of experimental studies and data on the characteristics and level of students’ cognitive development, courage in the formation of intellectual competence in scientific research and engineering business are discussed. In the paper the hypothesis of three levels (styles) of life activity and social interaction of the participants of educational process (maladaptive, adaptive and disadaptive) is introduced on the basis of the research conducted. The possibility of diagnosing, measuring and interpreting an optimal (maladaptive) education activity style as a condition of talent realization and creative mechanisms are discussed. This style tends to teach the students and professors how to use the most effective and flexible maladaptive communication based upon improvisation. A practical solution of this problem is possible if the classical educational models are supplemented by the educational technologies orientated at improvisation, assumptions and creative activity.