Instructional Strategies that Work: KWHL

Center for Best Educational Solutions
A KWHL chart is a valuable tool utilized to guide learning and enhance understanding on a particular topic or subject.

The chart is divided into four sections:
  • What I Know (K)
  • What I Want to Know (W)
  • How I Will Find Out (H)
  • What I Learned (L)


By filling in each section, learners can organize their thoughts, set goals for research, and track their progress as they gather information. This systematic approach not only helps in structuring the learning process but also encourages critical thinking and active engagement with the material. Whether you are a student, educator, or a curious learner, using a KWHL chart can significantly boost comprehension and retention of information.

Name of the Strategy: KWHL


Objective or Purpose of the Strategy:
  • To build upon prior knowledge as a prerequisite to new learning.
  • To emphasize that good reading requires some forethought and planning in order to gain all that is possible from the activity.
  • To predict methods of discovering the information students want to know.

Step-by-Step Reading Strategy: 

Put the letters KWHL on the chalkboard with a column drawn beneath each letter.
  • Under the K, write - What do you know?
  • Under the W, write - What do you want to know?
  • Under the H, write - How will we find out?
  • Under the L, write - What have you learned?

Additional Guidance

  1. Before the student begin a lesson or unit, ask them what they already know about the concept or topic. Record this information under the K in column one.
  2. Next, ask the student what they want to know about the respective concept or topic. List these thoughts under the W column.
  3. Third, ask for suggestions as to how student can find the information they want to know. List these suggestions under the H column.
  4. Spend time discussing why the students gave the responses they did.
  5. Discuss plans of gaining the knowledge they want to know.
  6. Finally, after the assigned topic has been taught, complete the final column L answer the question, What have you learned?

Assessment

Student's responses in the four columns provide the teacher with needed information about the strengths and weaknesses of the students, and provide future planning strategies. In addition, the teacher can determine researching skills and develop these further.

Alternate Activities

Have students complete the chart in a small group or as partners.
Have students complete their own charts as exit tickets, progress monitors or note catchers. 
Instructional Stragegies

Learn More about KWHL

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"With the KWHL chart, students don't just consume information - they actively engage, question, and create their own pathways to understanding."
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KWHL Strategy

The KWHL Chart encourages metacognition. Students reflect on their learning process through the KWHL chart, encouraging metacognitive awareness of their own knowledge gaps and learning strategies.

Why should teachers use a KWHL Chart with Students?

  • Encourages Active Learning: The KWHL chart prompts students to actively engage with the material, fostering a deeper understanding of the topic.
  • Organizes Information: The chart provides a structured way for students to organize their existing knowledge and chart a course for further exploration.
  • Promotes Critical Thinking: By encouraging students to question what they know and what they want to learn, the KWHL chart promotes critical thinking skills.
  • Personalizes Learning: Each student's KWHL chart is unique to their existing knowledge and their questions, allowing for personalized learning pathways.

Download a free copy of the KWHL chart here.

"Teach students not just what to learn, but how to learn, with the KWHL chart as their trusty companion on the path to discovery."
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