Teaching Tip: The Role of Cognitive Task Analysis in Teaching Complex Skills Using Canine Fundoscopy as an Example

Canine ophthalmoscopy is a challenging procedural skill to teach due to multiple unsighted components and patient compliance for examinations. Free recall instruction can unintentionally omit steps and lead to incomplete instruction of skills. Teaching via cognitive task analysis (CTA)-developed teaching protocols can better ensure comprehensive construction of complex skills and deconstruction into simpler steps, which can lead to improved task performance by learners. Our preliminary findings suggest that when teaching complex skills in a single instructional session, use of cognitive task analysis alone may not provide substantial learning benefit. Combining cognitive task analysis with other instructional strategies, such as deliberate practice, feedback, and deconstruction to avoid cognitive overload, may lead to improved learning and retention of complex skills.