Page 72 - Making Instruction Work
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chap 6 3/4/97 4:14 PM Page 60
60 making instruction work
8. Records test data.
9. Solders components.
10. Applies first-aid procedures.
11. Cleans and sharpens tools.
12. Cleans work area.
13. Disassembles equipment.
14. Assembles equipment.
15. Elicits symptoms from customers.
Notice that each of the items on this list begins with a verb,
a “doing” word. This is one way to tell whether the item being
described is a task or just a piece of subject matter. For exam-
ple, if an item reads “anatomy” or “measurement,” you would
know instantly that subject-matter is being described rather
than tasks. If a subject-matter item cannot be described in
“doing” terms, it should not be included in the task list.
Task Detailing
The second step in the analysis is to list the steps and deci-
sions involved in performing each of the tasks on the list. For
each task, answer these questions:
1. When is the task performed (what triggers initiation of
the task)?
2. How is the task performed (what are the steps followed
and decisions made while performing the task)?
3. How would you know when you’re done (when the task
has been satisfactorily completed)?
