What the KWL Test Taking Strategy Is and How to Use It
Short answer
The KWL test taking strategy is a straightforward, three-step method that helps learners organize their knowledge by identifying what they Know, what they Want to learn, and what they have Learned. Using this approach before, during, and after studying or testing improves focus, guides effective study, and enhances memory retention.
What is the KWL test taking strategy?
The KWL strategy is a simple, structured way to guide your thinking before, during, and after studying or taking a test. KWL stands for Know, Want to know, and Learned. You start by listing what you already know about a topic, then write questions or areas you want to understand better, and finally record what you have learned after studying or testing. This approach helps transform passive reading or memorization into active learning by encouraging you to reflect on your current knowledge and learning goals. It originated as a reading comprehension tool but works well for test preparation because it focuses your attention and organizes information logically.
Using KWL helps reduce overwhelm by breaking study material into manageable parts, making it easier to remember and retrieve information during a test. It is especially useful for learners who find it hard to identify where to focus their efforts or who want a clear plan for studying. The process can be done on paper, digitally, or mentally.
How does the KWL strategy work with a clear example?
Here is a step-by-step example of how to use KWL for a test on the American Revolution:
| Step | What to do | Example entry |
|---|---|---|
| K (Know) | Write what you already know about the topic. | "The American Revolution happened in the late 1700s." "George Washington was a general." |
| W (Want to know) | List questions or topics you want to learn. | "Why did the colonies rebel?" "What major battles were fought?" |
| L (Learned) | After studying, write down what you learned. | "The Boston Tea Party protested British taxes." "The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point." |
By filling out each column, you create a clear roadmap for your study session. Initially, you activate what you know, which primes your brain to connect new information. Next, you focus on specific questions to target your study, preventing wasted time on areas you already understand. Finally, writing what you learned reinforces memory by summarizing key points. Before the test, reviewing the L column quickly refreshes your knowledge.
Why does the KWL strategy matter for test takers?
The KWL method offers several benefits that matter for test takers:
- Improves focus: Knowing your knowledge gaps helps you concentrate on what matters most.
- Reduces anxiety: Organizing information into K, W, and L sections breaks down the study load, making it less intimidating.
- Boosts retention: Actively summarizing what you learn strengthens memory connections and increases recall.
- Saves time: Targeting study efforts on what you want to know prevents inefficient cramming.
- Builds confidence: Seeing progress in the L column reassures you about your preparation.
For example, if you typically feel overwhelmed by a large textbook, using KWL allows you to pinpoint just the chapters or facts you need to review. This is especially helpful for adult learners balancing multiple responsibilities, as it makes study sessions more productive.
What other test strategies are similar or often confused with KWL?
It’s common to confuse KWL with other study methods. Here’s how KWL compares to some related strategies:
| Strategy | How it differs from KWL |
|---|---|
| Cornell Notes | Focuses on note organization with cues and summaries, but doesn’t explicitly ask what you want to learn before studying. |
| Mind Mapping | Creates visual connections between ideas but doesn’t separate what you know, want to know, or learned. |
| Brainstorming | Generative thinking without categorizing knowledge or setting learning goals. |
| Practice Testing | Involves self-quizzing on material but doesn’t include the preliminary step of setting learning goals. |
Understanding these differences helps you select the right approach. KWL’s unique strength is its emphasis on activating prior knowledge and setting goals before studying, which helps you focus and engage actively with the material.
How can you start using the KWL strategy for your next test?
To start using KWL, follow these exact steps:
- Create a KWL chart: Draw three columns labeled K, W, and L on a notebook page or use a digital document.
- Fill in the K column: Before studying, write everything you know about the test topic. Be specific, for example, “Photosynthesis converts sunlight into energy.”
- Fill in the W column: Write questions you want answered or topics you need to understand better, e.g., “How does chlorophyll work?” or “What are the stages of photosynthesis?”
- Study the material: Use textbooks, videos, or class notes to find answers and explanations.
- Fill in the L column: As you learn, write the new information clearly, for example, “Chlorophyll absorbs light to power photosynthesis.”
- Review your chart: Before the test, read through the L column to refresh your memory and quiz yourself on the W column questions.
Adjust this to your subject. For example, in math, K might list formulas you remember, W the types of problems you want to practice, and L your problem solutions after working through examples.
What are some tips to get the most out of the KWL strategy?
To get the most out of KWL, try these practical tips:
- Be honest and detailed: Write precise facts and clear questions. Instead of “I know a little about chemistry,” say “Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons.”
- Update the L column frequently: Don’t wait until the end of your study session. Regularly add what you learn to reinforce memory.
- Use it with peers: Share your KWL charts with study partners to discover new questions or insights.
- Combine with active recall: After filling the L column, test yourself by covering it and trying to recall the answers.
- Personalize the process: Modify the chart to fit your style—for example, add dates, page numbers, or diagrams if helpful.
For example, if you are studying biology, you might add a diagram of the cell to the L column to visualize what you’ve learned.
How does KWL compare to other test preparation strategies?
While general test strategies focus on timing, question types, or stress management, KWL emphasizes organizing knowledge before learning. It pairs well with strategies like spaced repetition and practice testing by helping you identify what to study. Unlike cramming, KWL encourages gradual, meaningful engagement with material, improving long-term retention. For learners struggling with motivation, KWL provides clear, manageable steps and visible progress, making study less intimidating. Used alongside other strategies, KWL strengthens your overall test preparation plan.
Where can you find more resources on test taking strategies?
To explore more test taking strategies, consider these helpful articles:
- What Are Test Taking Strategies and How to Use Them explains various techniques to improve test performance.
- Effective Test Taking Strategies for Students of All Ages offers tips that apply broadly.
- How to Teach Test Taking Strategies to Students is useful for educators or parents helping others learn.
Combining KWL with reading comprehension or note taking strategies, such as those described in How to Use Reading Comprehension Strategies and What Note Taking Strategies Are, can further enhance your learning and test results.
Frequently asked questions
Can the KWL strategy be used for subjects like math or science?
Yes. For math and science, use K to list formulas and concepts you know, W to identify problem types or theories you want to master, and L to record solutions or explanations you learn through practice and study.
How is KWL different from regular note taking?
KWL focuses on activating prior knowledge and setting learning goals before studying, while note taking usually records information passively. This active engagement helps target study time and improves memory.
Can KWL help during a test, or only beforehand?
Primarily, KWL is a study tool used before and after learning. However, mentally recalling your K and W lists during a test can help focus your thinking and reduce anxiety, especially for essay or short answer questions.
Will using KWL reduce my test anxiety?
Yes. By organizing knowledge and clarifying study goals, KWL makes preparation more manageable and builds confidence, which helps reduce test anxiety.
How often should I update my KWL chart while studying?
Updating the Learned (L) column regularly throughout your study sessions is best. This ongoing reflection reinforces retention and highlights areas needing more review.