The Target-Task Model: a six-stage guided-discovery problem-solving model for teaching science

Design · All designs
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

The Target-Task Model is "an adaptation of the guided discovery method for teaching science", involving presentation of a major problem whose solution requires rules and principles students may not know. It proceeds through six stages drawn from Frost (2004): Pre-task, Task, Planning, Report, Analysis and Practice. In this study it was operationalized as the Target-Task Instructional Model, with students solving mathematical and non-mathematical problems in groups of two to four while the teacher monitors, then presenting written solutions for class critique and teacher-led analysis.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• The teacher presents solutions similar to the target task and guides students; the teacher introduces the topic and states objectives before the task stage

Constraints

• The model was studied only in senior secondary physics, on current electricity concepts, over four teaching weeks

Target Learners

• senior secondary school physics students

Learning Goals

• problem-solving in physics
• understanding current electricity concepts

Claims

• Target Task Model Beats Lecture Current Electricity [+M]
• Target Task Low Scorers Largest Gain [+M]

Related Designs

Examples

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Key Sources

• Olaniyan, A. O., & Omosewo, E. O. (2015). Effects of a Target-Task Problem-Solving Model on Senior Secondary School Students' Performance in Physics. Science Education International, 25(4), 522-538.

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	target-task-model-six-stages
title	The Target-Task Model: a six-stage guided-discovery problem-solving model for teaching science
description	The Target-Task Model is "an adaptation of the guided discovery method for teaching science", involving presentation of a major problem whose solution requires rules and principles students may not know.
status	review
generated	by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-01
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — olaniyan-2015

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