What is Task Analysis?
Task analysis is a systematic analysis of content. Breaking a task into sequential parts leads to a set of clear instructions. The student can then move from point A to point B with a clear roadmap. The instructor has the flexibility of teaching each student, be they an adult or a kindergartner, in an age appropriate manner maximizing instructional time.
In the classroom- Task Analysis is an essential tool for designing lessons, and Individual Learning Plans.
In the home- Task Analysis can be used to explain to children the basics of living. For example, telling a child to clean his or her room does not always achieve the desired results. Task analyzing the job with the child will not only build thinking skills but help
Not all students require a detailed sequence; however, if needed, the details are available and at the ready.The application of Task Analysis can be understood by stepping outside traditional academics to consider ways to teach a student to tie his or her shoes.
Examples of shoe tying directions developed by students in one of my college classes are listed below. We all agreed there is not one perfect way to conduct a task analysis and the task analysis varies with each student and group of students.
Student 1- Low Level of Complexity: The first student may simply observe others tie shoes, practice independently, and successfully tie his or her shoes.
Student 2- Medium Level of Complexity: The instructor may need to demonstrate and teach the skill as follows:
1. grab one lace in the left hand and the second in the right hand pull the laces straight up cross the shoelaces
2. pull the front lace around the back of the other pull that lace through the hole
3. tighten the lace with a pull make a bow
4. tighten the bow
Student 3- High Level of Complexity: This student may need a longer version such as the one that follows:
1. grab one lace in the left hand and the second in the right hand pull
2. pinch the end of one lace with the left hand and the other with the right hand
3. pull the laces up in the air
4. put one lace on the right side of the shoe, the second on the left side
5. pick up the lace on the left side with the left hand, pick up the lace on the right side with the right hand
6. pull the laces above the shoe 7. cross the laces to form a tepee
8. the student brings the left lace toward him/her
9. pull the left lace through the tepee pull the laces away from each other and so on….
Whether the task is simple or complex, knowing where you are going and how to get there makes life a lot easier