Assignment 8

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Task Analysis

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Assignment:

Learning how to do a task analysis is easy. It is also an important part of becoming a great teacher. Many times the novice teacher realizes that the problems encountered during the day -- the biggest discipline headaches -- were a result of not realizing how complex behaviors will turn out to be.

I still laugh about the time I was substituting in the kindergarten. I worked diligently on plans, sure that I would enjoy my time with five-year-olds. The bell rang and they all bubbled in to the class. I stood at the door, smiling and greeting each one. I said, over and over again, "Take off your jackets and hang up your back packs."

After a few minutes, I looked over at the coat racks to see what was causing the commotion. Imagine my consternation! There were all these wee ones, frantically trying to get their jackets off - all of them with their back packs still on. I had no idea the ramifications of my instructions, yet here they all were, trying hopelessly to wiggle out of jackets, like little turtles turned over on their backs.

Task Analysis

Write out a task analysis. Be sure to think about each step carefully and not to lump pieces together. Sort out all the minute steps that tend to be assumed.

How is this for a task analysis for instructing a student about calling on the phone?

Task analysis of calling on the phone
Explicit steps	Enough detail?	Added steps
1. Pick up the receiver.
2. Dial the number.
3. Speak to the person.

Now try one for yourself. Once you are done, review your steps by thinking of yourself as a small child and check to see how much you may have forgotten to add.

Task Analysis - _____________________
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

This time, take the task and see if you can "backward chain" with it. Remember, that is a critical way to facilitate learning for students with disabilities or developmental delays. It gives them the sense of immediate success and helps keep motivation high on tasks that are challenging.

Task Analysis	Backward Chaining
1	9
2	8
3	7
4	6
5	5
6	4
7	3
8	2
9	1

.The statistics suggest that as many as 60% of adults with disabilities have a difficult time getting and keeping a job. Many times the problems can be lessened if students are taught transition skills and life skills. Task analysis and backward chaining are great tools for this purpose.

RUBRIC:

Student provides a carefully constructed task analysis that can also be used to teach a complex skill using backward chaining. The task analysis is clear and specific, listing each small step in the process.

E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Ellsworth@nau.edu

Course Created by J'Anne Ellsworth & Center for Technology Enhanced Learning