In a KWLQ chart, the "W" stands for "What I Want to Know," and it lists questions or topics that a learner is curious about before beginning a lesson or reading a text. Circling questions in the "W" column after finishing reading serves several purposes:
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Identify Answered Questions: Circling questions helps learners recognize which inquiries have been addressed or answered during the reading. This provides a visual cue that they have gained new knowledge related to their original questions.
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Reflect on Learning: It encourages reflection on the material. By reviewing questions and circling those that were answered, learners can think critically about how their understanding has evolved and what information was most important.
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Focus on Unanswered Questions: Circling also highlights any questions that remain unanswered, prompting further exploration and research. This can guide students to seek additional resources or continue their inquiry on the topic.
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Enhance Engagement: Engaging with the text in this way can increase motivation and investment in the learning process, as learners see the connection between their prior curiosities and the information they have acquired.
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Facilitate Discussion: In a classroom setting, circling questions can foster discussions among peers or between students and teachers about the reading material, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject.
Overall, circling questions in the "W" column serves as a helpful strategy for consolidating knowledge and encouraging continued inquiry.