Tracking Your Research Process
Figure out the next steps of your research by keeping a record of what you know (and need to know) about your project.
Beginning a research project can be overwhelming when you consider all of the components you need to include in your work, and the volume of resources to sift through to find what you need. Make things a little easier by organizing your thoughts on our KWHL chart!
The KWHL chart is a tool developed to help students consolidate their research needs before the research begins.
"KWHL" is a helpful acronym that streamlines the research process from beginning to end, starting with your general topic and ending with critical thinking about your research process. It allows you to explore the concept and specific requirements of your project, and track the tools you'll use to complete it.
- KNOW: What you already know about your topic or assignment
- What are the specific requirements of your assignment? What prior knowledge do you have about your topic?
- WANT: What you want (or need) to know about your topic or assignment
- What research do you still need to do? What portions of your project haven't you started yet?
- HOW: How you'll find what you need to meet your research goals
- What search strategies, terms, and tools will you use to engage in the research process?
- LEARN: What you've learned from, or during, your research process
- How have the learning activities/ research habits of mind impacted your searching?
