What is KWL?
KWL stands for what I know, what I want to know and what I want to learn. KWL is a resource used in many classrooms to check prior knowledge of students. This chart has three columns: know, want to know, and want to learn. Students can use this chart to show prior knowledge, but it can also be used as a way for students to take notes throughout a lesson or lecture. This chart shows students the process of building off of their prior knowledge to gain more information about a certain topic. KWL can also be adapted to add a summarization column or a how we know column to further learning and higher order thinking skills. Data can easily be taken from KWL charts to show how effective they are for student learning. Data can be taken on the benefits of the KWL chart by measuring success in a class using the chart and measuring success in a class not using a KWL chart.
Research
According to Tompkins, the use of KWL charts "helps students activate background knowledge, combine new information with prior knowledge, and learn technical vocabulary related to a thematic unit" (Tompkins 2010). Tompkins goes on to say that the use of KWL charts helps students to stay engaged in the lesson. These charts helps students to question things throughout the lesson and keep track of what they know and have learned. Tompkins also shows that KWL charts help students in discussion of topics using vocabulary words and complex concepts or ideas.
According to Daniel, KWL "promotes active learning, encourages academic success, and enhances learning" (Daniel 2012). The author goes on to state that one of the best uses of a KWL chart is a pre-reading activity to show prior knowledge and get students thinking about what they want to know. This strategy helps students to actively learn by thinking about the things they put down on the chart while reading a text, this promotes active reading practices for all students. KWL charts also help teachers to stay up to date on what the students know and what they want to know throughout lessons and units. KWL charts also help students to become more engaged and attached to the content of the lessons. Classes who participate in KWL tend to be more engaged and have better discussion of content throughout the lesson.
Resources:
Daniel, H. (2011, May 09). Benifits of kwl. Retrieved from http://benefitof.net/benefits-of-kwl/
G.E. Tompkins (2010). Education.com. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/K-W-L-charts-classroom/
According to Daniel, KWL "promotes active learning, encourages academic success, and enhances learning" (Daniel 2012). The author goes on to state that one of the best uses of a KWL chart is a pre-reading activity to show prior knowledge and get students thinking about what they want to know. This strategy helps students to actively learn by thinking about the things they put down on the chart while reading a text, this promotes active reading practices for all students. KWL charts also help teachers to stay up to date on what the students know and what they want to know throughout lessons and units. KWL charts also help students to become more engaged and attached to the content of the lessons. Classes who participate in KWL tend to be more engaged and have better discussion of content throughout the lesson.
Resources:
Daniel, H. (2011, May 09). Benifits of kwl. Retrieved from http://benefitof.net/benefits-of-kwl/
G.E. Tompkins (2010). Education.com. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/K-W-L-charts-classroom/
Examples:
Here is a video that models the implementation of a KWL chart.
Below, is an example of of a KWL chart filled out as well as a suggested rubric for these charts.
Picture resource: Fisher, D., Frey, N., Brozo, W. G., & Ivey, G. (2011). 50 instructional routines to develop content literacy. (2 ed., pp. 150-153). Boston: Massachusetts.