The Second Barrier: Too Steep a Gradient
A gradient is a gradual approach to something taken step by step, level by level, each step or level being, of itself, easily attainable—so that finally, complicated and difficult activities can be achieved with relative ease. The term
When one hits too steep a gradient in studying a subject, a sort of confusion or reelingness (a sensation of mental swaying or unsteadiness) results. This is the second barrier to study.
The remedy for too steep a gradient is to cut back the gradient. Find out when the person was not confused about what he was studying and then find out what new action he undertook. Find out what he felt he understood well just before he got all confused.
You will discover that there is something in this area—the part he’d felt he understood well—which he did not really understand.
When this is cleared up, the student will be able to progress again.
When a person is found to be terribly confused on the second action he was supposed to know or do, it is safe to assume that he never really understood the first action.
This barrier is most recognizable and most applicable when engaged in
a gradual approach to something taken step by step, level by level, each step or level being, of itself, easily attainable—so that finally, complicated and difficult activities can be achieved with relative ease. The term gradient also applies to each of the steps taken in such an approach.
the performance of some action or activity.