Essential Learning Conversation
Mike: How does a task analysis relate to chaining?
Susan: A task analysis breaks a skill into observable steps. Chaining is how we teach those steps. In a behavior chain, completing a response changes the environment, providing a cue for the next response.
Mike: How do you decide which procedure I should implement?
Susan: As your supervisor, I select the procedure using assessment, the learner’s skills, preferences and needs, and the task. Reinforcer strength alone does not determine the choice. Follow the written plan and share your observations.
Mike: How does forward chaining work?
Susan: Initially we target the first step, then extend the taught sequence as criteria are met. The remaining steps are completed with support according to the plan.
Mike: Does backward chaining mean doing the task backward?
Susan: No. The task stays in its usual order. We support the earlier steps and initially teach the final step, then extend teaching toward the beginning. This lets the learner complete the task and contact its terminal reinforcer.
Mike: And total-task teaching?
Susan: The learner has opportunities to perform all steps during each teaching sequence, with assistance where needed. Reinforcement can occur during the sequence as specified in the plan, not only at the end.
Mike: What should I record?
Susan: Record independent performance, prompt levels and errors for the relevant steps. Follow the progression criteria and report difficulties or distress rather than independently changing the procedure.
Essential Viewing
Watch Creating a Task Analysis from the Center on Transition Innovations (4 minutes, 30 seconds).
Then watch Behavior Frontiers’ backward chaining handwashing demonstration (2 minutes, 42 seconds). Notice which step is the teaching focus and how earlier steps are supported.
Optional Reading
To further deepen your understanding, read this comprehensive guide from Jigsaw Training on Chaining and Task Analysis. The guide introduces the concepts and provides structured approaches to applying these procedures:
Jigsaw Training: Chaining and Task Analysis Introduction (PDF)
Additionally, while we’ve mostly discussed chaining for teaching new skills, it can also be used to reduce unwanted behaviors via response-chain interruption. In this paper, students describe self-administered interventions to reduce behavior chains related to smoking, hair-pulling, and eczema:
Optional Video
Veronica Howard’s overview of task analysis and chaining (16 minutes, 47 seconds) provides further explanation. It is not required for the reflection.
Conversation Exercise
Use FRED to compare forward, backward and total-task teaching, and the data an RBT would record.
Access FRED and guidance
Use the conversation icon at the bottom right, or open FRED. FRED guidance.
Reflection Exercise
Reflection and AI guidance
Revisit the reflection guidance from Module 1 if you need a reminder about personal reflection or acknowledging AI assistance.
If you submit early by mistake, email your correct reflection to connect@jigsawconnects.co.uk, including the module and lesson, so we can add it to your course record.
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