Puchta offers the reader an experiment which reveals how differently we approach problem solving. Each line of reasoning represents a unique form of intelligence, of which eight different types have been identified (Howard Gardner). IQ tests and current schooling usually only draw on two kinds: linguistic and logical maths, whereas whatever task is presented, students use a much wider range of thinking processes. Puchta asserts that more multiple intelligence (MI) activities should be included in the language classroom to better reflect and develop all students’ individual strengths, not just the linguistically able.

Making the Most of Multiple Intelligences (pdf 114 Kb)

Biographical information of Herbert Puchta


Dr Herbert Puchta is currently Professor of English at the Teacher Training University in Graz, Austria. He has been a plenary speaker at various international conferences and has given seminars in many countries in South America and Europe. Herbert is a master practitioner in neurolinguistic programming. For almost two decades, he has done research into the practical application in EFL-teaching of findings from cognitive psychology. Herbert has co-authored numerous textbooks and resource books. He has co-authored (with Gunter Gerngross) three primary courses for Cambridge University Press - Playway to English (1999), Join In (2000) and Cool English (2004) and a secondary course with Jeff Stranks English in Mind (2004).