Reduced task demands

What is it?

Some students can find it difficult to engage when they are overwhelmed by the number of tasks they need to do. Reducing task demands can be an appropriate strategy for some students. The aim is to encourage successful engagement and task completion and reduced stress for the student.

How do I use it?

Steps involved in reducing task demands include:

1. Determine which activities or tasks need to be reduced. The behaviour of the student/s may provide important information about which activities are too complex or when there are too many tasks.
2. Choose how the tasks can be reduced. Consider the following;
   • assign fewer questions on a work sheet e.g. by placing a red ‘Stop’ sign after 5 questions instead of 20
   • provide the student with a modified worksheet with half the questions removed
   • use a visual schedule to show breaks between tasks. See the Visual supports factsheet.
   • use a Visual schedule to show an Alternative schedule of liked and disliked tasks.
   • use a countdown timer to show how long the task will last (plus a visual schedule to show what will happen next).
3. Monitor the student for changes in engagement and learning. Continue to modify if needed.

Age group

All ages

Where can I learn more?

See other factsheets:

• Visual schedules
• Task analysis
• Alternating schedule of liked and disliked tasks
• Reinforcement