Wednesday, June 3, 2015

MythBusters

            The article regarding Dale’s cone of experience was very eye opening to me. I have heard a lot of debates about Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences in my college courses and how it isn’t very credible, so I have already dismissed its effectiveness. I haven’t spent a lot of time researching and studying Dale’s cone of experience, but I have heard a bit about how we remember 10% of what we read, 20% of what we see, etc. Truthfully, I have never questioned these numbers, but after reading the article I definitely question them. Dr. Thalheimer brings up an interesting point, that if these numbers were true, how did they all come out to be multiples of ten?
            I agreed with all three articles. I think the research presented was valid and provided a strong argument for why these are myths. As for learning about these myths in my college courses, my professors have presented information that aligns with these articles. In my psychology classes, my professors lectured about how Howard Gardner’s intelligences are not justifiable. I haven’t really covered Dale’s cone of experience in my recent courses, however, I remember teachers talking about the percentages back in high school.
            I definitely think that in our future professions, we will be faced with arguing the various myths we learned about in this course and our other courses. Especially if you are dealing with a principal or teacher who has been in the field for a long time, they might not be as familiar with the recent research findings as we are. I think it is important to present colleagues with the information and the research when arguing your point of view. If you can back up your stance with research, your colleague might be more open to consider the opposing side.