Tapping Prior Knowledge
A Know-Wonder-Learn (K-W-L) chart is one of the most commonly used graphic organizers to tap students’ prior knowledge. The chart consists of three columns, one titled “Know,” another titled, “Wonder,” and a third titled, “Learn.” This simple chart activates students’ prior knowledge by asking them what they already know about a particular subject and helps them to make personal connections before the content is deeply explored. Students begin by brainstorming their ideas on the Know section of the chart. Then, independently or collaboratively brainstorm questions they have about the content in the Want to Learn section. Finally, as students begin to answer these questions during the project, they record the information on the Learn section of the chart.

K-W-L charts require students to construct meaning from what they’ve been learning, compare their new knowledge to what they already know, and to clarify their ideas. They also keep students focused and interested in the content and provide a way to keep track of what they are learning. Ultimately, the chart can be used as a document in an assessment portfolio to show what a student has learned.

K-W-L charts can be used across the curriculum at any grade level. They can be used to start a new unit of study and referred to throughout the unit. They usually are not a graded document but rather a place for students to write down their ideas and questions without the fear of being judged. These charts also may help with student organization and can be a starting point for peer-to-peer or whole-class discussion.

Example K-W-L Chart This sample K-W-L chart is from the Unit Plan, African Adventure Safari.

Name_____________________________

K-W-L Chart for the Cheetah

Write about what you know about your African animal. Then write questions about what you want to know. When we have finished the unit, you can write about what you have learned.  

What I Know:	What I Want to Know	What I Learned
Example A cheetah eats antelope.	Example How does a cheetah kill the antelope? Where do antelope live? How many antelope will a cheetah eat in one week? Do antelope ever escape from the cheetah?	Example Cheetahs will run at 70 mph to catch the antelope. They find the antelope grazing on the African savannah. The cheetahs have to suffocate the antelope because they have small jaws and can’t kill in one bite.

< Return to Gauging Student Needs