Task Analysis Open House

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Task Analysis Open House

Natalie Jones
Creating and Managing Engaging Learning Environments SEC-510
Junes 9, 2016
Professor Bennett

Task Analysis Open House

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Task Analysis Open House

Task analysis is the process of breaking down a procedure into small parts so that it
becomes easier to manage and so that each possible outcome for each step in the process can be
analyzed. The following is a task analysis on a teacher's tasks in preparation of and during an
school open house.

The Steps
The first step in executing a stellar open house is familiarity with a teacher's students.
Whether it is the beginning of the year before classes have actually started, or the middle of the
school year, an open house is to benefit the students. An open house in the middle of the year is a
great way for parents to check in on how their students are doing in their classes and for them to
communicate with the teachers. A great conversation with parents cannot happen if the teacher
does not know their students well. If it is the beginning of the year, they still need to be familiar
with the names of their students so that when they meet the parents and students at the open
house, they can place their faces with their names.
Step two is presenting a welcome environment for students and parents. Leave the door
open for students and parents to enter. Make sure it smells nice (I like to light my scentsy with a
baked goods scent). Bring a snack or a treat to share with guests to your classroom, if there is
time. Nothing makes someone feel welcome like a fresh cookie. The last part of a welcome
environment is for the teacher to be out in the open. He or she should not spend the evening
hiding behind the teacher's desk.

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Step three is a great conversation with parents and students. Shake hands, give hugs (if
appropriate), smile, make eye contact, and ask questions to the student and about the student.
Mary Sawyer says, "Parent involvement in a childs education is critical for fostering success in
school, and it can be especially important for students in special education" (Sawyer, 2015, pg.
172).
The last step is to apply what you learned. Teachers should take good notes on what they
have learned about their students so that they can use the knowledge throughout the year. Half of
the purpose of an open house is to help students and parents feel comfortable with and trusting of
the teacher. The other half is for teachers to learn how they can better educate their students. This
cannot be done if the teacher does not have great conversations with parents and students and
take notes afterwards.

What I Learned from Modeling

After modeling with family members (who are also teachers), I learned that the main
thing I need to practice is my confidence. I need to be confident in my teaching abilities and
procedures. When a parent asks me a question, I should not be nervous and assume that they
automatically do not like my teaching strategies. Instead, I should show my knowledge and
confidence as a teacher. When I am confident in myself, others will be more confident in me.

Obstacles
When the actual event occurs, it will come with its own obstacles. One of the obstacles
that might come from working in an Arizona school is a language barrier. In this case, the student
might be able to translate or another teacher. The teacher can print his or her syllabus and
expectations in Spanish, so, if there is no way of communicating, at least the parents can learn a

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little bit about the teacher. Another obstacle could be that some parents might not be able to make
it to the open house. The solution to this obstacle would be a friendly welcome email or a letter
sent with students to parents at the beginning of the semester to let them know some about the
teacher and his or her methods. Caralee Adams says, "A recent Gallup poll found that just 20
percent of public school parents are fully engaged in their childs school, while 57 percent are
indifferent and 23 percent are actively disengaged" (Adams, 2016, pg. 48). Parents are becoming
less and less involved in their children's education. Teachers need to work to get parents more
involved in their students' education, and nice note at the beginning of the year is a great start.

Task Analysis
Task analysis is a wonderful way to examine every aspect of a task. It can help teachers
plan thoroughly for their students. It creates organization skills. It plans for mishaps, and it
encourages practicing before a task actually takes place. It does not only apply in a open house
setting. It is also a great way to plan how a classroom should be managed and to prepare for
mishaps and hiccups along the way.

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Citations

Adams, C. (2016). OPEN HOUSE. Instructor, 125(5), 48-51.

Sawyer, M. (2015). BRIDGES: Connecting With Families to Facilitate and Enhance Involvement.
Teaching Exceptional Children,47(3), 172-179. doi:10.1177/0040059914558946