What is the process of dividing what is to be learned into smaller components called?

The process of dividing what is to be learned into smaller components is known as task analysis. This method is essential in educational settings, particularly for students with exceptional needs, as it allows educators to break down complex tasks into manageable steps. By doing so, students can grasp each individual part of the task before attempting the entire process, reducing frustration and increasing the likelihood of successful learning. Task analysis helps to clearly outline prerequisites and skills that need to be developed, ensuring that instruction is tailored to meet the individual learner’s needs effectively.

In contrast, chaining refers to a procedure in which individual behaviors are linked together to form a complex behavior, while shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior. Fading is the gradual removal of support or prompts as a student gains independence in a task. Each of these processes serves different purposes in skill acquisition, but none specifically focuses on breaking down learning into smaller components like task analysis does.