Completing a task analysis is the process of identifying everything the learner will be able to do once they have completed the training. In other workds, it's identifying all the content that will be included in the training.

Now creating a good task analysis is not all that easy - you must document every fact, concept, and rule that will be presented in the training. Precision and thoroughness is essential. If the information does not appear in the task analysis, it won't appear in the training.

The good news is that once you have your task analysis completed, you have also completed one fourth of your objectives and also have some of your evaluation items already written.

There is a document you may find helpful as you write your tasks. This is the "Helpful Hundred" verb list.

Sample ID Document: Task Outline and Task Analysis Diagram for Help Desk Assistants

I have two practice activities you can try at home.

The first activity is all about creating training for origami creations. You can download the instructions here and try this with other people. It's a great way to understand the value of precise instructions and content.

This second activity is practice in creating a task outline and task analysis diagram. Download this PowerPoint file and print it out in "handout" mode. Cut out all the squares of paper. Arrange each square based upon the task printed on the square until you have created an outline, then arrange the same squares into a task chart.