learning hierarchy analysis

Purpose:

· A learning hierarchy analysis can pinpoint the prerequisite skills to perform an objective

· It answers the question “what must be learned in order to learn an objective?”

· It’s mainly used as a guide to sequence instruction (Gagne, Briggs, and Wager)

Background

· Introduced by Gagne in 1962

· For any higher order intellectual skill, there are a set of prerequisite skills, that is lower order skill/s

· The mastery of the prerequisite skill/s would facilitate learning of the higher skill

· The hierarchy defines what must be taught and the sequence in which to teach it

· The hierarchy are ordered from more complex skills at the top and simpler forms of learning at the bottom

· Problem solving at the top, followed by (prerequisite) rule/s, followed by (prerequisite) concept/s, followed by (prerequisite) verbal information

How to conduct a Learning Hierarchy Analysis

· Familiarize yourself with the topic

· State the final learning outcome

· Identify the entering capabilities the learners have regarding the final learning outcome

· Identify first-level prerequisites

· Identify second-level prerequisites

· Identify third and subsequent level prerequisites

· Determine how far to go in breaking down the prerequisites

· Construct the learning hierarchy

· Verify the learning hierarchy

Applications of Learning Hierarchies

· Can be used in school subjects, primarily mathematics and physics

· Technical training which includes intellectual skills

· Tessmer used learning hierarchy analysis to analyze plumbing contractor tasks

· To analyze the steps of a procedural or information processing analysis (called combination analysis or instructional analysis)

Advantages of Learning Hierarchy Analysis

· Identifies content that must be taught for an objective to be mastered

· Identifies effective instructional sequences

· Remove nonessential content, making the instruction more efficient

· Structures a curriculum according to learning dependencies

· Complement procedural or information processing analyses

Disadvantages of Learning Hierarchy Analysis

· Educational research has not clearly defined the prerequisites for learning outcomes such as mental models or metacognitive skills, while some theorists question that such outcomes can be taught in a bottom up fashion at all

· Hierarchical analysis or sequence may not suit all instructional purposes; therefore, instructors should understand it well and decide when to/not to use it

References:

· Task Analysis Methods for Instructional Design, Jonassen, Tessmer, and Hannum

· Instructional Design, Smith & Ragan