Task analysis is an effective way to plan the teaching of skills that require several steps to be performed in a certain order (chained behaviors), such as telling time, tying shoes, or doing long division mathematics, as well as larger more complex tasks (e.g. preparing and serving a meal, or cleaning a cafeteria).
Task analysis can often be used to take a much larger group of skills (such as those used in a complex vocational task like cleaning a cafeteria) and break them down into phases. The phases can be taught as smaller sections helping to assist in mastering of the larger task. For example, one might teach a vocational task of cleaning the cafeteria by teaching someone to first prepare materials (phase 1), then clean the cafeteria (phase 2), and last, put away the materials (phase 3). The practice of task analysis can be used to effectively plan for the teaching of academics and life and vocational skills. Task analysis can be used with children and youth of all ages.