12 week ALGEBRA/TRIG CLASS

Name: _____________________________________

GRIT Assignment #2: “Stuck on an Escalator”

Watch “Stuck on an Escalator” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrSUe_m19FY) and answer the following questions.

1. In your own words, explain the message of this video.

APPLYING THE MESSAGE TO MATH CLASS

2. What do you do when you are working through your math homework exercises and you get to a problem that you cannot do? How do you react? (Circle the option that best applies to you – be honest!)

A. Stop working and not return to your homework for several days (or possibly ever).

B. Skip the problem and move to the next one.

C. Seek additional resources to better understand the problem, before the next math class session. Examples include studying a similar example, looking in the textbook for further explanation, viewing a recording over the section material, reviewing classroom notes, taking your question to the math center, or asking a classmate.

What is a possible result of implementing Option A?

What is a possible result of implementing Option B and being successful on the next problem? What is a possible result of implementing Option B and NOT being successful on the next problem?

What is a possible result of implementing Option C? Why is it important to use a resource BEFORE the next math class session?

3. When you struggle to complete your math homework, do any of the following thoughts enter your mind? (Check any that apply, and add others as necessary.)

· “I can’t do math! I just don’t understand.”

· “I’m just a dumb person. I’m not smart like the other students.”

· “Everyone can do this except me!”

· “Because I can’t understand this question, I’ll never be able to do math.”

· “I’m just not meant to do math. I might as well quit.”

Other:

4. What thoughts more effectively support the reality of challenges in math? (Check any that apply, and add others as necessary.)

· “I’ll make sure to take notes and ask questions.”

· “The learning process is challenging, but that’s okay.”

· “The material is new to me, and I may not understand it at first.”

· “Just because this problem is difficult, doesn’t mean that all problems will be.”

· “I have many resources to help me learn and understand this.”

· “This has happened to me before, but I was able to work through it.”

· “Math problems contain tricks that are meant to stump me. I’ll make sure to look for those.”

Other:

APPLYING THE MESSAGE TO THE “REAL WORLD”

5. Think of a scenario outside of the classroom environment in which you or someone else faces difficulties and has the choice to “give up” or “find an alternate route to success.” Describe this scenario. (This can come from personal experience, an experience of someone you know, or be completely made up.)

Why is it important to seek alternate routes rather than giving up?