Before reading text or exploring new information, a K-W-L requires learners to record the knowledge already understood about the topic at hand. Reading to learn effectively or retaining new information requires learners to integrate the new information into their existing knowledge base. Nicole Strangman of the National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum reports that without accessing background knowledge, less information is gleaned and permanently stored. K-W-L charts prime learners to maximize their learning potential.
Comprehension, or understanding the meaning of text, is a learned skill for many people. A K-W-L chart requires readers to make predictions and ask questions prior to reading that may be answered in the text. While reading, students will discover if their predictions were accurate and if they are able to find the answers their questions. Because readers are searching for specific answers to predictions and questions, they are more motivated to comprehend the material. Answers to questions and predictions are recorded in the "Learned" column solidifying new knowledge.
Inquiry-based learning prepares students for acquiring new information in the changing world of the 21st century. A K-W-L chart is an inquiry-based learning model that can be used across the curriculum. Although K-W-L charts are most often used to help students read to learn, they can be effectively used in math, science and world studies as well. Require students to access prior knowledge in order to integrate new information. Making predictions and asking questions primes the learners' minds to search out and permanently store newly acquired information.
As students leave school days behind, they must be prepared to continue learning for the rest of their life in order to be successful, responsible citizens. A K-W-L chart is a model that can be used to help store new information. By reviewing information he is already familiar with on a given topic, a learner prepares himself to integrate and store new data. Asking purposeful questions and making educated predictions will help adult learners find specific answers and expand their base of knowledge.