Theories

A general definition of a theory is that it is an idea or explanation about how something works, or when and why something occurs. Because many people see the world in many different ways, many theories have been developed to explain events. For example, the String Theory and the Theory of Relativity are two different theories that attempt to explain how the universe is all connected together.

Since theories can have similar components but also be completely different, it is likely that not every theory will fit with every person's idea of how something happens. One theory could fit what one person thinks about a certain issue, while another theory could fit what a different person thinks, although one theory could be more correct than another.

Many theories are formed to explain only one thing, they are "pigeonholed" and cannot be adapted to fit new ideas very easily. If one person observes one thing and they create a theory out of it that explains what occurred, someone may come along and view two things that occur and create a theory that explains it better. The more observations a person has, the wider of a range their theory can encompass, because it can stretch to fit other situations than just one. Also, a theory developed over a period of time, like the atomic theory, can change to fit and reflect new discoveries without completely erasing the fundamental parts of the theory necessary for it to be convincing and fit situations. Parts of Dalton and J.J. Thomson's ideas about the atom are still found in the atomic theory. Parts of theories can also be found incorrect and modified to be correct.

I think it is not bad to have multiple theories in order to explain or show one thing, but I don't think that it is good either. Theories with multiple observations that can fit several scenarios for one thing better than the other is, in my opinion, the better theory. It is important to be able to be flexible when considering how one theory fits another so that one is able to make the decision on their own.

Multiple Intelligence Theory Reflection

Knowledge of multiple intelligences can help both students and teachers understand how themselves, as well as each other, learn. Multiple intelligences can come in many forms because each person is unique. This has led to many different theories about multiple intelligences.
In the case of Howard Gardner, his interest in MIs (Multiple Intelligences) was sparked through a college professor. I think that this allowed him to get outside of the ties his family held on him and allowed him to pursue something new through his own best interests, therefore opening his mind up to the way he learned. He developed a program through which he accounted for 7 MI's. This is a theory, because it has not been proved correct. It is his idea of how humans learn, and has not been accepted as the truth. Theories can often be controversial, which Gardner's idea of the intelligences were, because not many people seemed to accept it at first. I think this is because they weren't ready to believe that there were more categories than just visual or auditory learners. I agree with his statement that having seven intelligences would allow for seven different ways of teaching.
As a result of this theory, people have begun to invest more in working with different ways to work with their students. I think that this is smart because it can help with kids who have learning disabilities, because we know that they often have drastically different learning styles, and it is important for both students and teachers to be adaptable. Not every teacher is going to have a teaching style that you like, but it could be the way that other kids learn. There could also be other intelligences that aren't used nearly as much or aren't considered in the MI spectrum, such as spiritual intelligence.
This theory is supported but can also be disputed in several ways. This is another way to tell that a theory is not proven by an experiment. There is no scientific evidence to back it up, according to Dan Willingham. He then says not to trust the idea without other backup. I feel that this a legitimate argument because people could be faking it or basing off of themselves. He feels people should learn based on similarities, not differences. It is important for us to recognize our differences but also important for us to realize what we have in common and adapt to working with that as well.
We have been working with the theory, or idea, of MI's in class since the beginning of the year. The MI's have been used it identify the different ways people in our class learn and how we can learn to work with them. It shows the different skills that people have. Despite the fact that MI's are being criticized and analyzed does not mean that the theory won't have an impact on how teachers and students teach and learn.