Sponge Method vs. Panning-for-Gold Approach
Sponge Method vs. Panning-for-Gold Approach: A Critical Thinking Approach
I. Introduction
Critical thinking is the skill of evaluating information through systematic questioning. It is the ability to ask and answer questions that lead to a better understanding of the information being presented. There are three approaches to critical thinking, which include the sponge method, the panning-for-gold approach, and the filter approach. In this paper, these three approaches will be discussed and compared in order to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
II. Sponge Method
The sponge method is a passive approach to critical thinking that involves absorbing information like a sponge would absorb water. This approach has several advantages, including being a relatively quick and easy process that requires less mental effort. The primary focus of the sponge method is concentration and memory, which can be achieved through careful reading and trying to remember every word.
However, there are also several disadvantages to the sponge method. One disadvantage is that there is no means for deciding which information and opinions to believe and which to reject. This can lead to a common trend among those who use the sponge method, where they tend to believe whatever they last read.
III. Panning-for-Gold Approach
The panning-for-gold approach is an interactive approach to critical thinking. This approach clarifies important omissions through logical steps and procedures and separates what is useful or valuable from what is worthless. This approach requires frequent questioning of the outcome in order to critically evaluate and make better informed decisions.
The panning-for-gold approach emphasizes active interaction with knowledge as it is being acquired, whereas the sponge approach emphasizes knowledge acquisition. According to Peter A. Facione of Santa Clara University, “The process of panning for gold provides a model for active readers and listeners as they try to determine the worth of what they read and hear. You have to ask frequent questions and reflect on the answers to distinguish the gold from the gravel in a conversation.”
IV. Filter Approach
The filter approach is also an interactional approach, but it emphasizes the actions of the reader or listener in seeking to find essential elements, separating out impurities, and determining the worth of the information. This approach stresses the process of interaction with knowledge, whereas the sponge approach emphasizes knowledge acquisition.
V. Comparison
When comparing the sponge method to the panning-for-gold approach, it is clear that the panning-for-gold approach is a more active and interactive approach that allows for a better understanding of the information being presented. The panning-for-gold approach requires more mental effort but provides a means for making better informed decisions. On the other hand, the sponge method is a quick and easy process that requires less mental effort, but it doesn’t provide a means for deciding which information to believe.
The filter approach is similar to the panning-for-gold approach in that it emphasizes the process of interaction with knowledge. However, the panning-for-gold approach puts more emphasis on separating the useful from the worthless, whereas the filter approach focuses on finding essential elements and determining their worth.
VI. Each approach to critical thinking has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best approach for a person will depend on their personal preferences and needs. For example, if time is limited, the sponge method may.
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Sponge Method vs. Panning-for-Gold Approach
Written Assignment #1
Reacting with what you hear and read through systematic Assessment is the skill of critical thinking. The ability to ask and answer a series of critical questions consists of this. There are three approaches to listening and reading that deal with critical thinking. These three approaches are the sponge approach, the panning for gold approach, and the filter approach. The sponge method is reacting like a sponge would do with water; to absorb it.
There are a few advantages to this approach. A sponge method is a passive approach that does not require strenuous mental effort. The sponge methods primary effort involves concentration and memory. The sponge method is also relatively a quick and easy process. Along with advantages are disadvantages. A disadvantage of the sponge method is that it doesn’t provide a means for deciding which information and opinions you should believe and which you should reject.
A common trend with the sponge method, which is a disadvantage, is that people who rely on the sponge method tend to believe whatever they last read.
The panning for gold approach is an interactive approach. It can clarify important omissions through logical steps or procedures. The panning for gold approach separates what is useful or valuable from what is worthless. Using the panning for the gold approach you must continue to frequently question the outcome as part of the process to critically evaluate and make better informed decisions.
“The process of panning for gold provides a model for active readers and listeners as they try to determine the worth of what they read and hear. You have to ask frequent question and reflect on the answers to distinguish the gold from the gravel in a conversation. “The sponge approach emphasizes knowledge acquisition; the panning-for-gold approach stresses active interaction with knowledge as it is being acquired.
” With the sponge approach a person might read sentences more carefully and try to remember every word where a panning for gold approach requires that the reader uncovers the best available decisions or beliefs instead of just believing what is written.A third approach that is commonly used is the filter approach. This approach is an interactional approach with a speaker or writer. The actions of the hearer and reader are emphasized by the term filter in seeking to find the essential elements, in separating out impurities, and in determining the worth of the elements.
Asking questions and thinking about material are the emphasis of the filter approach. The filter approach stresses the process of interaction with knowledge, where the sponge approach emphasizes knowledge acquisition. In my opinion I would prefer the panning for gold approach.
The filter approach is similar, but trying to find information instead of filtering it in my opinion is more effective. With the sponge approach you are just absorbing information and trying to retain what you last read. When you use the panning for gold approach you are actually trying to find the answer. This is a much more effective method especially with time constraints. No matter which approach is used there is a certain method for everyone.
