The K - W - L Inquiry Technique
K - W - L (Ogle, 1986) provides a powerful framework to develop thoughtful
and independent readers and learners. This strategy encompasses the three
important phases of learning:
- Students brainstorm ideas and discuss what
they know (K) about the topic;
- Generate questions they want (W)
answered as they read or investigate a subject; and
- Record the new information they learn (L).
Students become more independent learners as they
build connections from the known to the unknown, identify concepts which
need to be understood more fully, use background knowlege to set learning
goals, and continually monitor their progress.
The steps in the process are:
- Introduce and brainstorm - The teacher introduces the topic and assesses
the students' prior knowledge by brainstorming and recording what they
already know in the K column of the K-W-L chart.
- Set purpose for study - The teacher asks students what they want to know
and what they predict they will learn about the topic. Based on their responses,
together they form questions in the W column and set learning goals
which enable students to distinguish between important and less important
ideas.
- Student exploration - students explore the topic purposefully to answer questions in the
W column and to record new information learned in the L column.
New questions may emerge during study.
NOTE: The K-W-L chart below is available as a handout for students.
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Know
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Want to know
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have Learned
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