Temporal Relations

Description of the instrument
Temporal Relations develops learners' ability to use temporal concepts to describe and order their experi ences. An adequate orientation to time is important to relational thinking and is acquired through mediated learning experiences. Without an awareness of the continuity of time and its ordered succession and of the rhythm of events, individuals make no use of their past to predict, anticipate, plan, and prioritize future events. Temporal Relations helps mediate temporal relationships and appropriate and precise use of temporal concepts and relationships.

Cognitive functions developed

• Comparison of the temporal characteristics of events.
• Use of relevant cues.
• Formulation of hypotheses.
  

Mediation of sample task
Mediation of a feeling of competence is necessary in order to define the nature of the sample tasks below and the relevance of the given information to its solution. Projection and control of behavior is mediated in re straining impulsivity in gathering and processing information.

Sample task

RIDDLES

Lucy has been in the United States for two years.
Steve has been in the United States for one year.
Is it possible to know which of the two is older? _______________________________________________
Why?___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Terry runs 117 yards (107 meters) per minute
Harry runs 223 yards (214 meters) per minute
Is it possible to know who will win if they have a race?
________________________________
Why?____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________


Maria's mother arrived in Canada fifteen years ago.
Maria's grandmother arrived six years ago.
Who is older? ______________________________________

Mark and Lisa are new immigrants.
Mark is 18 years old.
Lisa is 16 years old.
Which one has been in the country for a longer period of time? ______________________

©1996 R. Feuerstein, HWCRI.