KWL (Know – Want to Know – Learned)
Skills Managing Information
Self-Management
What is it? This method can be used as an introductory strategy in order for pupils to document
their present level of knowledge and what gaps may exist in that knowledge, to
structure progress in their learning and to analyse what new information has been
learned after research. This activity builds upon prior knowledge and understanding
and develops teamwork skills. If the K-W-L is carried out in groups, it may
consolidate communication skills and teamwork.
How does it work? 1. On a K-W-L grid (see below), pupils write under ‘K’ what they think they already
know about a particular topic or issue. If pupils are working in groups, they may
wish to use a
Post-It style activity before writing their combined ideas onto the grid.
2. Pupils are then encouraged to think about the gaps in their knowledge by filling out
what they
want to know in the ‘W’ column.
3. Once the topic is completed, pupils might return to their grids to fill in the final ‘L’
column. Here they confirm the accuracy of their first two columns and compare
what they have learned with their initial thoughts on the topic in the ‘K’ column.
Topic: Tanzania K
W
L
developing country
Masai tribes
Mount Kilimanjaro
lack of health services
safari
about schools
imports/exports
cost of living
tribal life
other geographical
points of interest
tribal life based around
cattle herding and
warrior manship
Ngorongoro Crater
