Definition
The K-W-L chart (Ogle, 1986) serves multiple purposes for readers. The K (What I Know) section helps them activate prior knowledge about a topic and determine what they already know (Beers, 2003). The W (What I Want to Learn) section enables them to set goals for themselves as they read and monitor their comprehension along the way (Miller & Veatch, 2011). The L (What I Learned) gives students the opportunity to reflect and record their new knowledge as a result of reading (Beers, 2003).
Examples
This strategy is often used with expository texts. The National Education Association provides this example:
This strategy could also be used to help students research a topic as shown in THIS PDF.
Link to Writing
Students can utilize K-W-L charts to begin researching a topic, thereby working toward Writing Standards 7, 8, and 9 for Grades 6-8 (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers, 2010, p. 44). These standards deal with the concept of researching to build and present knowledge. The specific grade and standard would depend on the grade level, the type of text (narrative, expository, etc.) students are using, and their purpose of reading (answer a question, gather information, etc.)
Video Examples
The K-W-L chart (Ogle, 1986) serves multiple purposes for readers. The K (What I Know) section helps them activate prior knowledge about a topic and determine what they already know (Beers, 2003). The W (What I Want to Learn) section enables them to set goals for themselves as they read and monitor their comprehension along the way (Miller & Veatch, 2011). The L (What I Learned) gives students the opportunity to reflect and record their new knowledge as a result of reading (Beers, 2003).
Examples
This strategy is often used with expository texts. The National Education Association provides this example:
This strategy could also be used to help students research a topic as shown in THIS PDF.
Link to Writing
Students can utilize K-W-L charts to begin researching a topic, thereby working toward Writing Standards 7, 8, and 9 for Grades 6-8 (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers, 2010, p. 44). These standards deal with the concept of researching to build and present knowledge. The specific grade and standard would depend on the grade level, the type of text (narrative, expository, etc.) students are using, and their purpose of reading (answer a question, gather information, etc.)
Video Examples
This video is a great example of how to use this strategy in a math classroom. This instructor does an excellent job of thinking aloud and modeling the construction of the K-W-L chart in math for her students. This would be highly essential when introducing students to the strategy.
I included this video because the instructors keep students engaged with various media, particularly the Smart Board, iPad, and paper versions of the content. They're appealing to multiple types of learners in this lesson and they're actively working with students throughout the lesson.