2. Which Formats Can I Use?

There are different formats to use based on the type of learning outcome. The following are the most prevalent:

1. Procedural task analysis (for procedural skills).
2. Hierarchical or prerequisite analysis (for intellectual skills).
3. Information processing analysis (for procedural and cognitive tasks).
4. Cluster analysis (for verbal information skills).
5. Conceptual graph analysis (for concepts).

What is a procedural analysis?

Unlike learning a concept or a principle, procedures are strictly defined so that each step is clear and unambiguous to the learner. Procedures can be simple, whereby the learner follows one set of steps in a sequential fashion. However, procedures can also be complex, with many decision points that the learner must make. Regardless of the complexity of the procedure, a procedural analysis breaks down the mental and/or physical steps that the learner must go through so that the task can be successfully achieved. The steps that make up a task are arranged linearly and sequentially, illustrating where the learner begins and ends. Often, the steps throughout the task, from start to finish, as well as any decisions that the learner must make are arranged in a flowchart, but they can also be done in an outline form.

Examples of learning outcomes that are procedural in nature are:

1. Balancing a chequebook.
2. Changing a tire.
3. Formatting a disk.
4. Bathing a dog.

How do I conduct a procedural analysis?

Learning goals that are procedures are the easiest goals upon which to conduct an instructional analysis. Generally, the application of procedures involves these steps:

1. Determine whether a particular procedure is applicable.
2. Recall the steps of the procedure.
3. Apply the steps in order, with decision steps if required.
4. Confirm that the end result is reasonable.

(From Smith & Ragan, 1999)

The following are the generally accepted conventions for flowcharting.

Start/End:  This symbol is used as the beginning symbol pointing to the first task and as a symbol indicating that no more tasks are to be performed. A flowchart has only one starting point; therefore there is only one START symbol. However, there can be more than one END point.

Input/Output:  A parallelogram represents either an input task or an output task. An example of an input task is keying the account number of a savings account in a bank. An example of an output task is printing a report or displaying the results of a computation. Output at the end of a chain creates the input for the next step.

Process:  A process is a simple procedure, an operation, or an instruction. Processes do not include tasks requiring a decision. A process is represented by a rectangle. Calculating simple interest, typing a report, or taking a test are examples of processes.

Decision:  Decision symbols are used when two alternative sequences are possible depending upon the outcome of the decision. Usually, decisions are posed as questions requiring a yes or no answer. However, any two-way alternative may be posed.

(Seels & Glasgow, 1990)

Are there any flowcharting programs available?

Absolutely! Programs like Inspiration and Microsoft's Visio make it easy to create quick, customized flowcharts. And if you just want to try them out, many of them offer 30-day trial demos for you to download.

What criteria should I use to evaluate my procedural analysis?

• Completeness (thoroughness); all steps present; complex procedures broken down; (0-5)
• All steps stated in performance terms (using verbs); (0-5)
• Appropriateness of procedural analysis for representing task; (0-5)
• Validity & accuracy: how well does analysis correspond to the actual task; (0-5)
• Appropriate use of flowchart or representation used; directional flow obvious and consistent; (0-5)

Can I see an example of a procedural task analysis using a flowchart?

Click here to download the image above.

Example:

Procedural task analysis in an outline.

Objective:  The learner will be able to give a large dog a bath in a bathroom tub.

Definition of Learning:  The learner will be able to perform the step-by-step process of giving a large dog a bath.

Essential Learning:

I. Prepare to give the dog a bath

A. Get supplies:

1. 1. Purchase a dog brush.
   2. Purchase dog shampoo.
   3. Gather old towels to use for drying the dog and covering the floor of the bathing area.

B. Arrange the bathing area:

1. 1. Cover the floor with old towels.
   2. Place shampoo near the water source where the dog will be bathed.
   3. Place the remaining old towels in pile within reach, but as far from water sources as possible.
   4. Place the brush near the pile of towels.
   5. Close doors to rooms that you do not want your dog to enter while damp.

II. Get the dog to the bathing area

A. Lead dog to bath:

1. Secure the collar and leash on the dog.
2. Walk the dog to the bathing area (you may need dog treats to bribe the dog).

B. Secure the dog in the bathing area:

1. Close the door behind you and your dog after entering the bathing area.
2. Lift/command the dog into the bathtub.
3. Remove the leash and collar from the dog.

III. Bathe the dog

A. Wet the dog:

1. Turn on the water.
2. Check the temperature and adjust it until it is lukewarm.
3. Saturate the dog with water.

B. Shampoo the dog:

1. Pour shampoo on the dog.
2. Lather and rub into all parts of the dog’s fur vigorously with your hands.

C. Rinse the dog:

1. Saturate the dog with water.
2. Massage water into the fur with your hands until all remaining shampoo is washed away.
3. Drain the remaining water from the tub (if applicable).

IV. Dry the dog

A. Reach for the towels and pull them closer to you.

B. Lift/command the dog out of the tub.

C. Towel-dry the dog:

1. Place the towel on the dog's back and rub it up and down.
2. Repeat step one using dry towels and rubbing different areas of the dog.

D. When all excess water is off the dog and it is essentially damp, put a leash and collar on the dog.

E. Take the dog to an area where you would like it to continue drying.

F. Give the dog a treat.