The KWL Method As A Teaching Strategy

Effective teaching strategies are the baseline of successful learning.

One such strategy that has stood the test of time is the KWL method. It is a powerful tool for active student engagement, critical thinking, and meaningful learning.

In this article, we will deep dive into the KWL method. We will explore its origins, principles, applications, benefits, and how to practice it.

Understanding the KWL Method

Donna Ogle in 1986 developed the KWL method as a strategy. It helps students engage with new information by activating their prior knowledge. The acronym KWL stands for:

K: What I Know

W: What I Want to Know

L: What I Learned

These three components are the foundation of the method. They guide students through a structured learning process and deeper understanding.

Let’s consider the components of the KWL method in detail.

What I know

The first step in the KWL method lays the activation of prior knowledge. This step is crucial. It makes your students reflect and make a connection between what they already know and the new information.

This knowledge activation is not a mere recalling of facts. It involves accessing students’ beliefs, assumptions, and experiences. Students start thinking critically about what they know already and discover gaps in their understanding.

Also, students get prepared better to assimilate new concepts, when they reflect on their existing knowledge. As a result, it makes the learning experience relevant and more meaningful.

What I want to know

The second component of the KWL method is "What I Want to Know". Or in other words what the learning goals are.

This step encourages your students to take ownership of their learning. They are able to identify topics and specific questions they want to explore. Also, it greatly improves their focus and motivation throughout learning.

Setting learning goals also provides opportunities to ask questions and search for answers. Your students become more curious and participate in their own education.

Consider it as a kind of mindset shifting. Where a passive recipient of information becomes an active learner.

What I learned

The final component of the KWL method is "What I Learned". It involves reflection on learning.

Having engaged with new information, your students revisit their initial questions and evaluate what they have learned. This process is essential to consolidate knowledge, understand, and reinforce the material. It also allows to identify the areas that require additional exploration.

Benefits of the KWL Method

The KWL method offers a range of benefits for both you and your students.

First of all it promotes active engagement. We both know there is nothing worse for productivity than disengaged students. And in tutoring, we do not follow any curriculum, we follow a student.

Therefore, we should encourage students to think about what they want to learn.

Involve them in the learning process itself. Help build meaningful connections between new and existing knowledge. Develop a deeper understanding of concepts, and apply this knowledge in real-world contexts.

The KWL method also promotes critical thinking. Critical thinking is a very important skill in today’s world. With an abundance of information, the ability to identify credible sources and make informed decisions is crucial.

This method can help you encourage students to think critically. As well as help them become more thoughtful and discerning learners.

Through setting learning goals, your students will develop the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information. They will learn to question their assumptions, identify gaps in their knowledge, and seek answers.

Moreover, the KWL method supports the development of metacognitive skills. Metacognition is the ability to think about your thinking. It is crucial for self-directed learning.

When your students think about their learning process, they develop a better understanding of their own cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Furthermore, this method is valuable for differentiated instruction. Differentiated instruction is the basis for creating a learning environment, where all your students succeed.

It allows you to tailor your lessons to meet the diverse needs of your students.

Also, when you assess your students’ prior knowledge and learning goals, you can identify areas where additional support is needed.

Finally, the KWL method helps build a growth mindset.

A growth mindset is usually associated with a range of positive outcomes. It includes increased motivation, resilience, and academic achievement.

The KWL method supports the development of such a mindset. It encourages students to accept challenges, persist through difficulties, and view learning as a lifelong journey.

Also, students get inspired to reflect on their progress and celebrate their achievements. By doing it, they develop a positive attitude toward learning and a belief in their ability to succeed.

The KWL chart

You can incentivize your students to create the KWL chart. It will help them activate prior knowledge, set specific learning goals, and reflect on what they learned.

While it is a valuable tool for you as a teacher to understand and adjust your instruction, it will make the learning process more focused and meaningful for students.

Practical Tips for Implementing the KWL Method

The KWL method is a powerful tool to promote active engagement. As well as to develop critical thinking and reflection.

However, its effectiveness depends on how it is implemented in the classroom.

Let’s look at some practical tips to maximize its potential.

Encourage Open-Ended Questions

When guiding students through the "W" column, encourage them to ask open-ended questions. They are very much used in the Socratic Method. In short, the open-ended questions are the ones that require more than a yes or no answer.

They promote deeper thinking and inquiry and lead to more meaningful learning experiences.

For example, instead of asking, "What is the capital of France?" your students may ask, "How has Paris influenced French culture and history?"

The open-ended question invites students to explore multiple perspectives.

Use the KWL chart as a formative assessment tool

There are essentially two main assessment types summative and formative. Formative assessment is an ongoing process. Here tutors gather feedback on students’ understanding of materials and learning progress.

It helps identify areas, where students need additional support or clarification. And it allows you as a tutor to adjust your instructions to meet your student’s needs better.

The KWL method provides a structured framework for such assessment and feedback. Also, it gives you insights into students' prior knowledge, learning goals, and progress.

And, reviewing your students' KWL charts allows you to identify areas where they may need additional support or clarification.

Collaborative learning

You can also promote collaborative learning through the KWL method. For example, your students can work together on the KWL charts. It will encourage them to share their knowledge, ask questions, and learn from each other.

Group discussions and peer feedback out of such collaboration are a great help as well. They deepen students’ understanding and provide opportunities for critical thinking and reflection.

Also, students can challenge each other’s ideas, pool their resources together, and develop a better understanding of a topic.

You can as well modify the KWL method to meet the needs of different learners. As their tutor, you can provide additional support such as one-on-one guidance or modified tasks.

In this way, you can ensure that every student fully participates in the process of learning.

Integrate Technology

Technology is a powerful tool in the KWL method. In particular virtual or blended learning environments provide students with additional ways to engage with the material. Blend into teaching online discussion forums, and multimedia resources.

You can also include digital KWL charts. For example, your students can use voice-to-text software to record their responses. Or create digital mind maps to visualize learning.

Additionally, encourage your students to revisit and update their KWL charts as they gain new knowledge and insights. It will help them to continually reflect on their progress, adjust goals, and deepen their understanding.

The KWL method is more than a teaching strategy, it is a powerful tool. It promotes active engagement of your students and develops critical thinking and love for learning.

Your students have a chance to contemplate what they already know. And set future goals as well as think about what they have learned. It gives power to your students to take control of their education.

You can use this method in a broad range of subjects. For example, reading comprehension, science education, social studies, or mathematics. It is a versatile and proven effective strategy, that transforms the way we teach and learn.