KWL Method

Introduction

KWL Steps

Step One: K

Step Two: W

Step Three: L

Uses for KWL

Key Takeaways

Section Completed -- Onto the Next One

Introduction

The KWL method is a basic tool for getting the reader to activate prior knowledge about a topic, set goals for reading, stay engaged with reading, and follow through with their goals.

You may download a graphic organizer for the KWL method to use with your own reading here.

KWL Chart.pdf

KWL Steps

The following are the steps a reader would take using the KWL method. Complete these in order:

Step One: K

What do you Know about the topic of the text before even reading it?

Skim the text, looking for items like the title, author, date, publishing location, headers, graphics/pictures, introductions, etc. What does this skim tell you about the reading? What is the topic(s) of the reading? After you know that, what do you already know about the topic(s)?

Step Two: W

What do you Want to know about the topic of the text before even reading it?

Before you read word for word, think to yourself about what you are curious about the topic(s) of the reading. Is there anything that you put in "W" that you want to know more about? Is there anything else about the topic that you are unsure of?
In this column, it's also a good idea to write questions that will help you accomplish your goal(s) for the reading. Why are you reading this text (for instance, to write a paper)? What information do you need to gather to accomplish your goal(s)?
If you come-up with additional questions while you are reading, you may add them to your "W" column.

Step Three: L

What have you Learned about the topic of the text after reading it? What answers did you find from the questions you posed in “W?”

While you are reading or after, write-down answers that you found.
Are there any unanswered questions that are important to your goals(s) for this reading? If so, do some additional research to find the answers (Google search, YouTube, asking the instructor, librarian assistance, etc.).
Is there anything else that you learned that you found interesting and/or helps you with your goals that does not address any of the questions in "W?" Write those down in "L" too.

The following video goes into a deeper explanation of KWL along with an example. The first 5-minutes or so introduce the concept, along with other information that is helpful for this unit and college-level texts. After that, KWL is explored. Enjoy!

Uses for KWL

Think about what types of texts KWL would be a useful strategy for. Could it be used when gathering information from non-traditional texts as well, like a movie or a conversation?

This method is also useful when a student has to write a research paper in order to narrow-down a topic.

First, the student should write-down what s/he knows about the topic.
Then, what questions him/her has about it.
Through research, the student will then find answers.
Looking at the "W" and "L" columns, the students should then see if there are any trends/relationships in information. What does this information have in common with each other.
The student should then determine the strongest category of information to write about and possible conduct the KWL process over again to gather more information for his/her paper.

How will you use KWL?

Key Takeaways

KWL asks the reader to recall what they already know about a topic, questions they have about the topic (which can be asked any time during the reading process), and what they have learned from reading the text.
KWL can be used in many reading situations as well as other situations in which exploring and learning a topic is involved.

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