Psychological Underpinning: A Task At Hand

Grand Canyon University

EDU 313 NAbstract

Task analysis is a sequential process which has many advantages and disadvantages. Proper implication of the method leads to successful achievement of the preconceived goal of teaching a particular task such as tying a shoe or solving a 2 digit math problem.

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion1

Theories relating to task analysis1

Effectiveness of the lesson plan3

The Task Analysis Process3

Pros and Cons4

Conclusion5

References6

Appendix7

EEI Lesson Plan 17

EEI Lesson Plan 29

Psychological Underpinning: A Task At Hand

Introduction

There are many different possibilities and ways when it comes to teaching children. However, the quality of the method applied to teach the child can be evaluated only through the child's understanding of it. Another noteworthy feature is the presence of the many theories regarding the way we plan for lessons. It is an established fact that every child has his individual learning and developmental stage and pattern of development. This is the reason why it has become necessary to access the learning and developmental level of that particular child and design/construct the lesson plans accordingly. Teachers need to familiarize themselves with these theories in order to ensure that the pathway which they have chosen for the child is the best one for him or her.

Discussion

Theories relating to task analysis

Behaviorism is an approach in psychology that proves to be a good resource on our given issue. Behavioral psychology rests on the notion that new behaviors are acquired through conditioning. Interaction with the environment has its own modifying/customizing effects on this conditioned learning. This theory ignores the internal mental status of the individual, and instead, emphasizes on the studying behavior in a systematic and observable manner (Cherry, 2012). Behaviorism can be further classified into classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning theory involves the positioning of a neutral signal before a natural, involuntary reflex. For instance, the aroma of coffee makes you feel like having a cup. In contrast, operant conditioning makes its subject learn behaviors by exposing it to rewards and punishments for positive and negative reinforcement, respectively (Huitt & Hummel, 1997). A close link exists between a behavior and its consequences (Cherry, 2012).

Teachers also need to become familiarized with cognitive theories. Cognitive behaviorism attempts to study human behavior by focusing on humans' thought processes (Fritscher, 2011). Jean Piaget developed this theory. Born in 1896, the developmental psychologist went on to propose the stages of development in children. Growth of children and their learning processes were explained using this theory. Children use learned behavior to interact with people who are a part of their environment, as they grow. This theory highlights the building blocks approach for demonstrating a child's developmental stage. It divides the development of a child into four distinct phases, and states that children move through one phase into the next in a normal pattern of development. They develop skills gradually while progressing from one phase to another, and then develop excellence in those particular skills. The stages include:

Sensory-motor stage (between ages 0 to 2 years)

Preoperational stage (between ages 2 to 7 years)

Concrete-operational stage (between ...