5 Chaining Multi-Step Skills Free Online FlashCards

What is task analysis?

Task analysis breaks a complex skill into observable, teachable steps.

What is chaining?

Chaining teaches the steps and links them into the complete sequence.

What should you specify when defining a finished skill?

State what the learner should do and when the skill begins and ends.

How can task-analysis steps be made observable?

Write steps clearly enough that two observers could tell whether each step occurred.

How should you check a task-analysis sequence?

Observe the skill in its usual setting and try the written directions; revise missing, unclear, or overly detailed steps.

How should current performance inform a task analysis?

Identify which steps are already independent and which need teaching, then adapt steps and materials to the learner and context.

How does forward chaining teach a sequence?

Teach the first step first; after it meets the chosen mastery criterion, add the next step. For example, build from A to A–B, then A–B–C.

How does backward chaining teach a sequence?

Teach the last step first while assisting with earlier steps; then add preceding steps as the learner progresses.

What happens during total-task presentation?

Give the learner an opportunity to perform every step on each teaching opportunity, prompting where needed.

How does total-task presentation differ from forward and backward chaining?

Forward and backward chaining progressively teach parts of the sequence; total-task presentation practices the whole routine each time.

What are examples of prompts for a routine step?

Possible prompts include a gesture, brief verbal cue, visual direction, or physical guidance when appropriate and agreed upon.

Why use and fade the least intrusive effective prompt?

Use the least intrusive effective support and systematically fade it so the learner responds to natural task cues rather than depending on the instructor.