Prompting

Official title: Task analysis

Teaching a multi-step skill

Goal

Teach a new, complex skill by breaking it down into a sequence of smaller steps.

How

The teacher will develop the task analysis (TA) by writing down each step necessary to complete the task/activity. The teacher will systematically teach each step, providing assistance as needed. Over time, the prompts (assistance) are faded out, resulting in the student(s) becoming independent in this skill!

Context

Task analyses are often used to teach adaptive skills such as washing hands, tying shoes, and crossing the street. But as you can see here, they can be created for any multi-step skill! It’s all about teaching clear, routine steps and fading out your support over time.

Tip

When choosing which type of prompt (assistance) to provide, consider how your students learn best! Here, this teacher is using a variety of prompts to meet the diverse needs of her students

‍