This teaching approach resource shows you how to make the most of KWL charts in your classroom. “Know,” “Want to Know,” and “Learned” are the letters K-W-L. Teachers use these visual organizer charts to help pupils investigate a subject or topic using past knowledge and personal curiosity. The KWL teaching technique is particularly effective in reading classrooms but also in science and social sciences.
What Is the KWL chart?
Teachers can use the KWL chart to help students activate their prior knowledge of a subject or topic and encourage interest, active reading, and research. When reading informative literature, KWL charts are very useful as a pre-reading approach and can also use them to assess what students have learnt during a unit of study. The K represents what pupils already know, the W for what they desire to learn, and the L for what they learn when reading or researching.
What is the significance of KWL chart?
KWL, according to Donna Ogle, helps students become better readers of expository material, and teachers become more participatory in their classrooms. KWL chart encourages students to be active thinkers when reading (Carr & Ogle, 1987) by providing specific things to look for and asking them to reflect on what they’ve learned once they’ve completed it. In addition, KWL charts aid in the activation of background information and allow students to create their own learning goals.
Why is KWL chart important?
KWL, according to Donna Ogle, helps students become better readers of expository material, and teachers become more participatory in their classrooms. KWL chart encourages students to be active thinkers when reading (Carr & Ogle, 1987) by providing specific things to look for and asking them to reflect on what they’ve learned once they’ve completed it. KWL charts aid in the activation of background information and allow students to create their own learning goals.
What strategy have you developed to make it happen?
KWL chart are best used before the class begins working with expository text. Begin by demonstrating how to use a KWL chart. On an overhead projector, project transparency of a blank KWL chart and write the topic of the expository text at the top of the chart (Cheetahs). Fill in the blanks on the chart while thinking aloud and articulating your mental process. Read aloud a brief explanatory paragraph after finishing the “Know” and “Want to Know” parts. After reading the content, fill out the “Learned” portion of the KWL chart, thinking aloud and describing your thought process.
A KWL chart can be used to start a research paper or project, as a brief introduction to a lesson, to challenge prior knowledge, or as a quick introduction to a lesson. It can help pupils learn new and different content by pushing them outside their comfort zone. You can use the KWL chart to assess your lesson informally as well. Before the session, fill out the Know and Want to know and “Learned” section after the class is over.
When will you be able to use it?
Reading/English
Before reading a novel or a portion of the material, KWL can be used. First, choose an author and have students fill out the chart’s “Know” and “Want to Know” columns. Next, read a brief biography and evaluate if all of the kids have learned everything they needed to know. If not, devise a strategy for conducting additional research to address their concerns.
Writing
After finishing a written piece, students can use KWL charts to reflect on their learning. Students can explain what they learnt when they finish their writing and check to see if they were wrong about anything. Students may use this time to reflect on their learning and communicate their thought processes.
Math
Complete a KWL chart as a class or individually when beginning a new unit of study (e.g., fractions). Mathematical language and concepts should be encouraged among students. Check the KWL chart throughout the unit, and consider having students write brief journal entries as they finish problems to describe what they’ve learned and their reasons.
Social Studies
Please start a new chapter or unit with a KWL chart, or use it as a foundation for a quick project. Encourage children to learn about different cultures or areas. Students can work in groups to explore cultural features and organize their findings using KWL chart. Groups can share their knowledge and engage in cultural conversation as a class.
Science
When students are employing the scientific method, KWL charts might be helpful. Create an experiment question (for example, “Which brand of paper towel is the strongest?”). As a beginning point, have students complete the KWL chart. As students plan an experiment, consider including an “H” column for “How to Find Out.”
The advantages of a KWL chart
The following are the advantages of utilizing KWL chart:
First, determine the difference between pupils’ understanding of a topic.
On the teacher’s part, keep track of the information that passes throughout the classroom.
By examining the KWL chart, develop alternative strategies to better cater to the student’s demands.
Recognize the student’s understanding before the class to boost his confidence.
Allows the teacher to concentrate on the crucial aspects rather than going around in circles with things that the pupils are already familiar with.
KWL charts of templates that can be edited.
A good KWL chart example can be printed out and comprehended quickly. If you’re interested in using this template after reading this, you can use the templates below. These are some free templates that you may customize and download. You’ll save a lot of time and work because all you have to do is print them off and distribute them to your students.
KWL Chart for Earth Season
This template collects data about the Earth’s four seasons. It also contains information on the planet’s beginnings and addresses certain questions about the seasons.This are one of the KWL chart example.
Blank KWL Chart Example
This design is ideal for teachers who need to print KWL charts rapidly. The chart’s sections are all similarly categorized and properly described. There is also a section for pupils to use for keywords. Overall, this template is a lifesaver if you are in a rush.
Mars Exploration KWL Chart Example
The final template contains details regarding prior and recent Mars planet explorations. It also contains information about the rovers dispatched to Mars to scout the terrain. This KWL Chart example will be ideal for astronomy classes in science classes.
Wrap up
KWL chart are, without a doubt, one of the most valuable tools ever devised by man to aid students and teachers in their development. It is also, without a doubt, one of the most detailed diagrams to create. However, this does not imply that you will be able to utilize it whenever you want because creating one takes time. As a result, if the necessity arises, it is recommended that you use the KWL chart template.