Using a K-W-L Chart to Bridge the Theory-Practice Gap.

As nursing is a practice discipline, theory and practice cannot be separated. Yet nursing education is traditionally divided into two components: classroom or theory-based learning and clinical or practice-based learning. The theory-practice gap is one of the most significant issues in nursing today, given the emphasis on evidence-based practice. This article describes the use of a K-W-L chart as an approach to bridge the theory-practice gap and encourage students to become self-directed and take ownership of their knowledge.