1 Task Analysis
Definition: The intentional breaking down of a multi-step task into discrete steps and/or teachable components
Rationale: Often multi-step tasks are mistakenly considered to be singular. For instance, brushing one’s teeth is often considered to be one task. However, it contains multiple individual steps (e.g., grab toothbrush, turn on water, rinse bristles, etc.) for completion. Breaking down multi-step tasks shifts from binary success criterion (i.e., able to or not able to complete) to step count or percentage of accuracy (e.g., 5 of 10 steps or 50% complete). Task analysis can enable teachers to recognize and celebrate success, analyze instruction for accuracy within the context and individual (e.g., do they like to wet the bristles with or without toothpaste), and to pinpoint areas in need of support and/or instruction.Type your textbox content here.
Ways to Support Students:
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- Identify essential and key tasks that the student is having trouble completing.
- Perform the task yourself and record the necessary steps and have someone try to do the task with your steps to ensure accuracy of steps and sequence.
- Watch other students (the same age of the student in need of support) to see how they generally complete the task.
- Consult with the student and their family regarding tasks to focus on and any specific tools, order, or contexts that are used at home (e.g., student always uses a red toothbrush).
- Create a data collection sheet with the task analysis and columns to record whether the task was completed independently or with support. Use this data to track progress and to pinpoint areas in need of instruction and support.
Case Study
Student: Grade 7 student
Content: Computer use
Problem: The student is having difficulty logging in to the computer. He is able to click on the log in button but cannot remember the next steps.
Solution: The teacher creates a 4-step task analysis including: 1. Click on “log in”, 2. Enter your log in ID, 3. Enter your password, 4. Click “Enter”
Professional Resources:
- Tip sheet from the Texas Education Agency: https://www.txautism.net/interventions/task-analysis#:~:text=A%20process%20in%20which%20an,acquisition%20of%20the%20smaller%20steps.
- Summary of good tasks for a task analysis and tips for putting one together from FPG: https://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/sites/autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/files/TaskAnalyis_Steps_0.pdf
- Task analysis how to with examples from AFIRM: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED595409.pdf
- Video on task analysis for academic learning from DADD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IvO_PZv1z4
