Task Analysis

 

 

The content of a learning session needs to reflect the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Trainer needs to examine the learning outcomes carefully and identify the skills and information that the learner needs to demonstrate competence.

In order to do the above, a task analysis is carried out to identify:

·         the real work practice (practical skills), and

·         key or necessary information required to meet the session learning outcomes.

Task analysis involves taking a complex process and breaking it down into a series of simple steps to complete the task successfully.

Imagine a trainer had to tell someone who had never done it how to make a cup of tea. It might seem like a simple task to him because he has probably done it lots of times but take a minute to think about all of the steps he needs to be competent at making tea.

He remembers to get a cup out of the cupboard before you put the tea into it? Take another look at the steps you have identified. Can some of them be broken down further? Would someone from another culture be able to follow your instructions?