Elementary learners work through each session focused on “the dip.” The dip is a natural part of learning in nearly every activity. When you try something new, at first it can be exciting and you might experience initial success, which makes you feel happy about your progress. But as you continue, at a certain point it may get tough and the results may not come as quickly or as easily as they did at first, despite all the effort you might be putting in. This stage is called the dip. 

In a discussion about the dip, nearly all the learners shared that they had experienced it. One learner talked about his learning process with a sport, saying, “At first I felt like I was one of the best. But, after moving up to a different group, it got a lot harder even though I was working harder than I ever had before.” Another learner observed that most activities involve multiple dips, sort of like a video game: We get really good, level up, then hit a wall that we must work through again and again.

After discussing their own experiences and sharing what going through the dip feels like, the guides asked the learners, “What is the best way to deal with the dip? Is it best to quit, try something else, or keep going?” Almost unanimously, the learners replied, “You have to keep going!” 

Returning to the metaphor of the hero’s journey, the learners reflected on how it can be hard but that pushing through the hard parts is a necessary part of the adventure.