KWL STRATEGY

The K-W-L Strategy

K-W-L

• K = Know
• W= Want to know
• L = Learned

Originator—Donna Ogle

KWL is

1. Versatile—fits various contents and levels of learners
   1. Highly participatory
   2. Useful for constructing meaning on a
      given topic
2. Used for topics= expository or factual

Theory of KWL

1. The K-W-L strategy is based on “Schema Theory” originated by Lev Vygotsky.
2. This theory states that any new learning should be connected to prior knowledge, in order to make the new learning meaningful.

Purposes of KWL

1. Activating prior knowledge
2. Encouraging discussions
3. Promoting student questioning
4. Setting a purpose for reading (listening or watching)
5. Facilitating follow-up research

Procedure for KWL

1. Draw the K-W-L chart and write the topic above the chart.
2. Ask the students what they already know and write them in the K column.
3. Let the students ask what else they want to know and write them in the W column.

K-W-L Chart

Procedure (contd.)

1. Present the material and have students read, listen, or see silently. Purpose of reading= verifying+ find something new.
2. Ask the students what they found. Tick off  in K column and write the answers in the L  column. Also, check what additional ideas they have found. Write these in L column.
3. Items that are not verified or answered are given to students as a follow-up activity. Discuss the new findings in the next class.

Guidelines

1. Use this for a lesson that you think students will already know something about.
2. When the discussion and questions are coming to a saturation point (repeating), go to the next column.
3. Allow students to discuss freely, whether their ideas are correct or wrong as the K column is filled.