Task Analysis

I have used this tool (yes I am calling it a tool) often in my teaching career. Teaching 4th graders to solve word problems is a challenging task. I have always had a diverse group of students in my classroom so I would have to model lessons in several different ways. First, I would follow the examples in the teacher’s edition if I thought they were good. Then, I would explain the concept in my own words. Next, I would break down the task into smaller task called chaining, which Tom McIntyre describes in his article entitled Task Analysis. Until now I never gave much thought about task analysis (honestly never heard of it). I now see how it can be helpful in reaching all learners.