The KWL Strategy for Equity in Learning
Creating a fair and inclusive learning environment is key to helping all students thrive. One great strategy that promotes equity in the classroom is the KWL strategy. KWL stands for “What I Know, What I Want to Know, and What I Learned.” It’s a game-changer that encourages active learning and caters to different student needs. So, let’s dive into what the KWL strategy is all about, why it promotes equity, and explore three engaging ways to use it in your teaching.
What is the KWL Strategy?
Picture this: you’re on a learning adventure with your students, and the KWL strategy is your trusty compass. It starts by tapping into your students’ prior knowledge with the “What I Know” phase. This is where they get to share what they already know about a topic, bringing their experiences and perspectives to the forefront.
Next up is the “What I Want to Know” phase, where students can express their burning questions and what they’re excited to explore.
Finally, the “What I Learned” phase encourages students to reflect on the new knowledge they’ve gained along the way.
Promoting Equity through the KWL Strategy
Now, let’s talk about how the KWL strategy levels the playing field and creates an equitable learning environment. Here’s why it matters:
Valuing Prior Knowledge: Every student is a treasure trove of unique knowledge and experiences. The KWL strategy celebrates this diversity by encouraging students to share what they already know, no matter their background or circumstances. By honouring their existing knowledge, students gain confidence and feel empowered to contribute to the learning journey.
Addressing Individual Needs: We all learn differently, right? That’s where the “What I Want to Know” phase comes in. It’s a personalised opportunity for students to explore their own questions and interests within the topic. This flexibility caters to different learning preferences, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and their learning needs are met. Equity achieved!
Fostering Collaboration: Teamwork makes the dream work! The KWL strategy embraces collaboration, transforming your classroom into an inclusive community. Students can team up to share their prior knowledge, brainstorm questions together, and embark on their learning adventure as a collective. This collaboration breaks down barriers, fosters empathy, and ensures that every student has an equal chance to participate.
Using the KWL Strategy in Three Different Ways
Here are three ways you can put the KWL strategy into action:
Pre-reading or pre-topic Activity: Before diving into a new lesson or unit, kick things off with the KWL strategy. Ask students to jot down what they already know, what they want to know, and any burning questions they have. Then, have a lively discussion and create a class chart to record their ideas. Throughout the unit, keep revisiting the chart and update the “What I Learned” column together.
Research Projects: When assigning research projects, encourage students to create a KWL chart specific to their chosen topic. This will guide their inquiry process, help them set goals, and track their learning progress. It’s also a fantastic way for them to present their findings, share newfound knowledge, and reflect on any lingering questions.
Reflection and Review: At the end of a lesson or unit, give your students a chance to reflect on their learning using the KWL strategy. Invite them to revisit their initial “What I Want to Know” questions and evaluate if they achieved their learning goals. This reflection time helps solidify their knowledge, promotes metacognition, and gives them a sense of achievement.
Change the Interaction
Around the Table: Gather your students around a table for a collaborative KWL session. Provide each student with sticky notes or small cards. Start with the “What I Know” phase and have them write down what they already know about the topic, one idea per sticky note. Encourage them to stick the notes on a shared board or chart. Move on to the “What I Want to Know” phase, where they can write down their questions and stick them alongside their previous notes. Finally, engage in a lively discussion to explore their questions and generate excitement. As the learning progresses, remove the sticky notes that represent things they have learned and reflect on the journey.
On Their Feet: Get your students up and moving with a kinesthetic KWL activity. Create three large posters or charts labeled “Know,” “Want to Know,” and “Learned.” Scatter these posters around the room. Begin with the “Know” phase, where students move around the room and write down what they know about the topic on sticky notes or cards. They can then place their notes on the “Know” poster. Next, transition to the “Want to Know” phase, where students move to the second poster and add their questions. Finally, gather the students together and discuss their ideas before moving on to the learning activities. As new knowledge is gained, students can visit the third poster and contribute to the “Learned” section.
Digital Collaboration: Embrace technology and engage your students in a virtual KWL activity. Utilize collaborative online tools, such as Google Docs, Jamboard, or Padlet. Create a shared document or digital board with three sections for “Know,” “Want to Know,” and “Learned.” Share the link with your students and have them contribute their ideas asynchronously. They can type in what they know, add questions, and reflect on what they have learned. Encourage students to read and respond to each other’s contributions, fostering a sense of community and collaboration even in the digital realm.
Final Thoughts
The KWL strategy is a fantastic tool that not only boosts student engagement but also promotes equity in the classroom. By valuing prior knowledge, addressing individual needs, and fostering collaboration, you can create a learning environment where every student feels valued and included.
There are many variations that have grown out of the original model such as KWHL (which adds ‘h’ for ‘how I want to learn’) and more. However, I find that keeping it simple has worked best in my own classroom.
So, go ahead and try out the KWL strategy in different ways—around the table, on their feet, or even through digital collaboration. Click here to make a copy of the Google Jamboard above. Let the KWL adventure begin, and watch your students thrive!