Narrow the focus to a specific learning objective and audience. For example, you might be teaching a first grader to tie his shoes or a sixth-grade special-education student to identify direct objects. Be sure the goal is appropriate for the student. Also, determine a prerequisite list. What prior knowledge does the student need to have before working on this task? For example, if you have a step, "form a loop," an elementary student must know the definition of loop and how to make one with a lace.
Determine if the task analysis is procedural, one requiring a series of skills, or mental, one requiring cognitive knowledge. Identify all steps needed to complete the task. State steps beginning with performance verbs such as "pull laces tight" or "circle the action word in the sentence." Heuristic task analysis uses models to teach more complex learning objectives. For example, if a fifth-grade teacher wants a student to be able to write a descriptive essay, she could have each step of essay writing broken down, but also provide descriptive essay models for the student to analyze.
Sequence the steps on your list so that the order is logical and effective. Try completing the desired learning activity using the created task analysis. You may find that more steps are needed or that a step needs clarification. Evaluate the effectiveness of your task analysis by trying it on several members of the target audience. If they are able to use the steps to complete the task, your analysis is complete. If not, take notes on what step or steps are confusing. Those that are too complex need to be broken down.